Effects of Oat β-Glucan on the Macrophage Cytokine Response to Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection In Vitro

Abstract

Oat β-glucan can counteract the increased risk for Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) infection in mice, the effects of which have, at least in part, been attributed to macrophages. However, the specific responses of macrophages to oat β-glucan treatment in this model have yet to be elucidated. We examined the effects of varying doses of oat β-glucan on the pro-inflammatory cytokine response in both peritoneal and lung macrophages with and without exposure to HSV-1 infection in vitro. Peritoneal and lung macrophages were obtained from mice and cultured with varying concentrations of oat β-glucan (0 (control), 10, 100, and 1,000 μg) for 24 h and supernatants were collected. A standardized dose of HSV-1 was added for a second 24 h incubation period after which supernatants were again collected. Samples were analyzed for interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In most cases, oat β-glucan resulted in a dose-dependent increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in lung and peritoneal macrophages with and without exposure to HSV-1 infection. When comparing across macrophage source, this response was greater for IL-1β and IL-6 in peritoneal macrophages and for TNF-α in lung macrophages. This may be a mechanism for the decreased risk for HSV-1 infection following oat β-glucan feedings in mice.