Immunomodulatory Potential of Probiotics and Prebiotics as Adjuvants in Rats Vaccinated with Inactivated Poliovirus: Comprehensive Immunological and Histopathological Evaluation

Abstract

Objective:Poliomyelitis remains a global public health concern, particularly in developing countries, where vaccine responses are suboptimal due to limited mucosal and cell-mediated immunity. Recent research has shown that probiotics and plant-derived prebiotics are novel mucosal adjuvants that enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses following vaccination. The current study aimed to evaluate the ability of prebiotics (ginger rhizomes) and probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus 20552s) as mucosal adjuvants to improve immunity following polio vaccination in rats. Methods:This study examined forty rats equally allocated into four different groups: a control group (POG), and three experimental groups receiving the oral polio vaccine along with either ginger rhizomes prebiotics (PRE), Lactobacillus acidophilus 20552s probiotics (PRO), or a mixture of both (MIX). Serum levels of IFN-γ, TPA, and IL-5 were analyzed. Histopathological assessments of the liver, spleen, and kidneys were also performed. Results:The results showed that the TPA level of the MIX group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.05), while all experimental groups had lower serum IFN-γ levels than the POG group (p<0.05). Interestingly, the MIX group had the highest IL-5 concentration compared with the POG and PRO groups, with statistical significance (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed liver interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration and dilated, congested central veins in the kidneys in the POG group, suggesting potential physiological protection from the treatments in the other groups. Conclusion:Collectively, the coadministration of PRO and PRE as adjuvants to the polio vaccine enhanced immune responses in rats. This novel approach has the potential to improve vaccine efficacy and preserve organ integrity after vaccination, offering promising strategies for future vaccine development and administration.