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    Article

    Mechanistic Insights into the Immunomodulatory Effects of Velvet Antler Peptides from Sika Deer

    Lan-Yue Yin1, Jiating Li2, Xue-Yue Tai3, Guo-Qi Zhang3, Ming-Ran Luan1, Wu-Yang Hua1, Chao Liu1, Bao Zhong1★, Feng-Lin Li1★ Corresponding author

    1. 1College of Food Science and Nutrition Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, CHINA.
    2. 2School of Public Health, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, CHINA.
    3. 3College of Food Science and Engineering, Changchun University, Changchun, Jilin, CHINA.
    4. 4Brewing Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, CHINA.

    CORRESPONDENCE

    Bao Zhong

    College of Food Science and Nutrition Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, CHINA.

    zhongbao19870626@163.com

    Received: 10-09-2024; Accepted: 31-01-2025.

    Volume 22, Issue 1 · pp. 235–242 · PUBLISHED 2026 · DOI: 10.1177/09731296251329997

    View on Pharmacogn. Mag. original site ↗

    ABSTRACT

    Background: Sika deer antler is a traditional Chinese medicine, and its mechanism of action on immune regulation is still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore its related mechanism. Objectives: To investigate the mechanism by which velvet antler peptides (VAPs) from Sika deer regulate immune function in mice through the toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2)/toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/ interleukin-3 (IL-3)/recombinant cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated-antigen-4 (CTLA-4) signaling pathways. Materials and Methods: Male ICR mice were randomly divided into five groups: blank control (BC), positive control (PC), low dose (LD, 60 mg/kg), medium dose (MD, 120 mg/kg), and high dose (HD, 180 mg/kg). The BC group was administered saline for 1 week, while the other groups received dexamethasone (25 mg/kg) for 1 week. The BC and PC groups were gavaged with distilled water, while the experimental groups were gavaged with different doses of VAPs. After 21 days, serum levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), T lymphocyte CD8+ (CD8+), TNF-α, and spleen gene expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, TNF-α, IL-3, and CTLA-4 were measured. Results: Compared to the PC group, mice in the LD, MD, and HD groups exhibited a significant increase in body weight. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that TNF-α levels in the serum were significantly decreased, while IgM, IgG, and CD8+ levels were significantly increased in the LD, MD, and HD groups. Gene expression analysis revealed that TNF-α levels were significantly decreased, and IL-3 and CTLA-4 levels were significantly increased in the spleen of the LD, MD, and HD groups compared to the PC group. Additionally, the expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4 were significantly elevated. Conclusion: VAPs improve immune status in mice by modulating the expression of TLR2/TLR4 and TNF-α/IL-3/CTLA-4 signaling pathways, revealing the underlying mechanism of their immunoregulatory effects.

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      Yin, L., Li, J., Tai, X., Zhang, G., Luan, M., Hua, W., Liu, C., Zhong, B., & Li, F. (2026). Mechanistic Insights into the Immunomodulatory Effects of Velvet Antler Peptides from Sika Deer. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 22(1), 235–242. https://doi.org/10.1177/09731296251329997