A recent study published in “Frontiers in Immunology” demonstrates the capacity of marine algae extracts to modulate immune responses in broilers

As part of a partnership between Olmix Group and Brest University and Brest Medical School, an in vitro and in vivo study was carried out in order to determine whether a sulphated polysaccharide-rich green algae extract (MSP^®_IMMUNITY) was able to activate avian neutrophils (heterophils) and monocytes; to identify the pattern recognition receptors (PRR) involved in the initiation of this activation and the molecular pathways in both cellular types; and finally to determine whether a similar effect could be observed in vivo when given per os (orally).

This study showed for the first time that MSP^®_IMMUNITY activates heterophils (improved glucuronidase release and oxidative burst) and monocytes (higher NO release) through activation of receptors TLR2 and TLR4. The signaling pathways of these receptors displays differences in their ability to induce heterophils degranulation and oxidative burst in vitro. In addition, the activation of heterophils and monocytes leads to an upregulation of the transcription of several immune mediators genes in both cellular types, partly in a cell specific manner. These immune mediators are produced during innate immune responses and play an important role as activators of the adaptive immune response.

Oral administration of MSP^®_IMMUNITY results in activation of avian neutrophils and monocytes in vivo. Moreover, in vivo activation of heterophils and monocytes led to a transient increase of immune mediators transcription, including interleukin 1-β, interferon-α and interferon-γ suggesting a Th1 orientation of the immune response

Olmix Group's researcher.

All this suggest that MSP^®_IMMUNITY could be used to activate animal’s innate immune response and promote adaptive one to support their natural defenses and the reduction of the use of antibiotics in farms. MSP^®_IMMUNITY is one of the algae-based solutions produced by Olmix Group. Created in 1995, the company specializes in harvesting and transforming red, green and brown Breton algae into innovative natural products for the human, animal and plant nutrition and health sectors.

Read the Peer Reviewed Artice

REFERENCE

Ulvan Activates Chicken Heterophils and Monocytes Through Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Toll-Like Receptor 4. Nathalie Guriec, Frédérick Bussy, Christelle Gouin, Olivier Mathiaud, Benoit Quero, Matthieu Le Goff and Pi Nyvall. Front. Immunol. 9:2725. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02725

SCIENTIFIC CONTACT

• Pi Nyvall Collen | Olmix Group's R&D Director | PNyvallCollen@olmix.com | +33 (0)2 97 38 81 03

MEDIA CONTACT

• Aurélie Garel | Olmix Group Communication | agarel@olmix.com | +33 (0)2 97 38 81 03