Immune modulator molecules
MHC-II, CD80, and CD86 are representative co-stimulatory molecules that provide the second signal to develop an effective immune response and support T-cell activation (Banchereau & Steinman, 1998). The expression of MHC-II, CD80, and CD86 on splenic macrophages was significantly upregulated by Morus alba L. treatment in combination with OVA or CT in a dose-dependent manner. As shown in Fig. 2B, the stimulation of splenic macrophages by the combination of Morus alba L. and OVA or CT resulted in significant upregulations of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II molecules compared to the OVA alone group (p < 0.05).