Effect of Ivermectin on the Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses of Rabbits (2007-02-27)

[-] TrumpLyftAlles | 1 points | Jul 03 2020 03:24:41

Posting this old study (obviously pre-COVID-19) because it shows a dose response for ivermectin.

The skin sensitivity to DNCB at 24 and 48 h and macrophage engulfment of SRBC were highest (P0.05) in rabbits administered with 600 microg/kg b.w. The highest geometric mean titers (14.00+/-0.31) and number of plaque forming units (1860+/-0.75) were found in rabbits that received ivermectin at a dose of 600 microg/kg b.w. followed, in order by the groups that received 400 microg/kg, 200 microg/kg b.w. and controls. Leukocyte counts were significantly higher in ivermectin-treated groups (C and D) than group A (vehicle control) and B (ivermectin at the rate of 200 microg/kg). A graded dose immune response suggested an immunopotentiating effect of ivermectin at higher doses.

I read that as "The immune response went higher (better) as the dose of ivermectin increased".

DNCB is dinitrochlorobenzene. From here:

DNCB induces a type IV hypersensitivity reaction in most patients; therefore, exposure to DNCB can yield an indirect measurement of T-cell activity in a patient and immunocompromised patients may demonstrate decreased hypersensitivity toward DNCB.

T-cells are part of the immune system:

Helper T cells become activated when they are presented with peptide antigens by MHC class II molecules, which are expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Once activated, they divide rapidly and secrete cytokines that regulate or assist the immune response.

Conclusion: Ivermectin strengthens the immune system

I posted this to /r/virology hoping that someone will confirm or deny my interpretation of the study.

[-] TrumpLyftAlles | 1 points | Aug 08 2020 20:44:05

I came across this study again, re-read it again, and this time focused on this concluding sentence:

A graded dose immune response suggested an immunopotentiating effect of ivermectin at higher doses.

Looking it up:

immunopotentiation (countable and uncountable, plural immunopotentiations) (immunology) The accentuation of an immune response by the administration of another substance (an adjuvant).

Ivermectin is the adjuvant in this case.