Effects of QWBZP on T-cell subsets and their cytokines in intestinal mucosa of HRV infection suckling mice

Aim of this studyQiwei Baizhu Powder (QWBZP) is a traditional herbal prescription that has been used traditionally for the treatment of infantile diarrhea, including the infantile diarrhea caused by Human Rotavirus (HRV). In this study, we investigated the pharmacological activity of QWBZP extract.Materials and methodsNIH suckling mice with HRV induced diarrhea were used. Density of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, mRNA expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 in intestinal mucosa epithelial cells were assayed.ResultsQWBZP extract promoted the expressions of mRNA of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ in intestinal mucosa epithelial cells. Also, we found that the density of CD8+ cells in intestinal mucosa epithelial cells was significantly lower in QWBZP group than in Model group, while the density of CD8+ cells was significantly higher in QWBZP group than in Model group.ConclusionThese data suggest that QWBZP extract may exhibit antiviral effects through modulating the densities of T-cell subsets and the expressions of their cytokines in small intestinal mucosa epithelial cells.

Graphical abstractPthlogical changes of small intestine mucosa by HE staining (400×). (A) Control group, (B) Model group, (C) Ribavirin group, (D) QWBZP group.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide