Yolkin promotes differentiation of RAW 264.7 macrophages to the pro-inflammatory phenotype capable of fulfilling efficient phagocytic function

Michał Zimecki; Jolanta Artym; Maja Kocięba; Ewa Zaczyńska; Aleksandra Zambrowicz; Łukasz Bobak

doi:10.2478/jvetres-2026-0056

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Yolkin promotes differentiation of RAW 264.7 macrophages to the pro-inflammatory phenotype capable of fulfilling efficient phagocytic function

Journal of Veterinary Research

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By: Michał Zimecki , Jolanta Artym , Maja Kocięba , Ewa Zaczyńska , Aleksandra Zambrowicz and Łukasz Bobak

Open Access

|Nov 2026

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Abstract

Introduction

Yolkin, a protein isolated from hen egg yolk, is postulated to play a key role in embryo development. The aim of this work was to evaluate its differentiating effect on immature RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages by determining their pinocytic and phagocytic capabilities as well as cytokine production.

Material and Methods

The pinocytosis of neutral red (NR) and phagocytosis of NR-labelled zymosan particles were measured spectrophotometrically, and the production of TNF α, IL-6, and IL-10 in the culture supernatants was evaluated by the immunoenzymatic method.

Results

Cells of the RAW 264.7 line perform pinocytosis of NR and phagocytosis of NR-zymosan particles more efficiently when incubated with yolkin for 48 h than when in a control culture. Yolkin at a concentration of 10 μg/mL elicited production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10, with a prevalent amount of TNF-α, thus leading to an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype.

Conclusion

Following incubation with yolkin, RAW 264.7 macrophages differentiate to an M1 phenotype. The results suggest the possibility of using yolkin as a nutraceutical or functional food ingredient to strengthen defences against infectious agents.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jvetres-2026-0056 | Journal eISSN: 2450-8608 (formerly 2300-3235)

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Language: English

Submitted on: Mar 3, 2026

Accepted on: Oct 26, 2026

Published on: Nov 2, 2026

Published by: National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

yolkin,

RAW 264.7 macrophage,

Related subjects:

Microbiology and virology,

Life sciences, other,

Medicine,

Veterinary medicine

© 2026 Michał Zimecki, Jolanta Artym, Maja Kocięba, Ewa Zaczyńska, Aleksandra Zambrowicz, Łukasz Bobak, published by National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

AHEAD OF PRINT