## 4 Discussion  
This study examined the immunomodulatory effects of PMT in a CPA-induced immunosuppression mouse model, focusing on its influence on IL-10 expression, hematological parameters, thymus morphology and function, and T lymphocyte populations. Col  
Figure 4: Effect of PMT on T-lymphocyte subsets and CD3+ T-cell activity in the CPA-treated mice. (**A**) Illustrative flow cytometry scatter plots displaying the CD3*CD4+ T cell populations in the thymus of each group. (**B**) Quantification of the CD3*CD4+ T cell percentages across the different groups. (**C**) Representative flow cytometry dot plots showing the CD3*CD8+ T cell populations in the thymus of each group. (**D**) Quantification of the CD3*CD8+ T cell percentages across the different groups. (**E**) Immunohistochemical staining of CD3* T lymphocytes in thymic tissues. Black scale bars = 200 \(\upmu\)m, red scale bar = 40 \(\upmu\)m. (**F**) Quantification of the CD3* T cell proportions based on immunohistochemical analysis of thymic tissue. Data are presented as the means \(\pm\) SEM (n = 6). Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA followed by [PERSON]’s post hoc test. Note: \({}^{t}\)\(p<0.05\) and \({}^{tttt}\)\(p<0.0001\) vs. the normal group; \({}^{\star}\)\(p<0.05\), \({}^{\star\star}\)\(p<0.01\), and \({}^{\star\star\star}\)\(p<0.001\) vs. the CPA group. lectively, these findings suggest that PMT can mitigate the immunosuppressive effects of CPA and restore immune balance. To assess the potential immunoenhancing properties of PMT, we evaluated IL-10 expression in vitro at the mRNA and protein levels. IL-10, a key regulator involved in immune function, was selected as the target due to its pivotal role in preserving immune balance. Previous research has established that IL-10 exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects and serves as a key regulator of immune responses against infections caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa [15]. It plays an essential role in limiting or resolving inflammation, while ensuring host protection. IL-10 not only modulates inflammation, but also exerts immunosuppressive effects on various immune cells, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), M2 macrophages, and naive T cells [16]. Through these mechanisms, IL-10 helps to suppress excessive immune activation, thereby maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. Dissimilar to proinflammatory cytokines, which are released early during inflammation, IL-10 is typically secreted by innate immune cells at later stages, helping to fine-tune immune responses, limit prolonged inflammation, and prevent immune-mediated tissue damage. This dual function of IL-10\(-\)both as an immune regulator and an immunosuppressive cytokine\(-\)ensures effective pathogen elimination while maintaining tissue homeostasis and protecting against immunopathology [17]. Con A is a plant-derived lectin that is widely utilized in immunological research due to its potent ability to activate T lymphocytes [18]. It specifically binds to \(\alpha\)-D-mannose and \(\alpha\)-D-glucose residues present in various glycoproteins, leading to T cell receptor-mediated activation of T cells [19]. Owing to this strong mitogenic effect, Con A is commonly used to stimulate mouse T cell subsets in in vitro studies and model T cell-mediated immune responses in various preclinical models [20; 21; 22]. In this study, PMT treatment significantly increased IL-10 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in splenocytes. Furthermore, when PMT was combined with Con A, a lymphocyte mitogen for T cell activation, IL-10 expression was further amplified, demonstrating the synergistic effect of PMT on IL-10 regulation. Although Con A is not inherently immunosuppressive, it induces a robust inflammatory response by activating T cells. This frequently leads to the compensatory release of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 to regulate and prevent excessive inflammation.