New insight into the structure-dependent two-way immunomodulatory effects of water-soluble yeast β-glucan in macrophages

Exploring the therapeutic potential of yeast β-glucan: Prebiotic, anti-infective, and anticancer properties - A review

Yeast β-glucan (YBG), an indigestible polysaccharide from yeast cell walls, is multifunctional. It plays a pivotal role in regulating gut microbiota (GM) and boosting the immune system, which is central to research on inflammation, cancer, and metabolic diseases. By modulating the GM, YBG exhibits various prebiotic effects, including hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and immune-regulating properties. Additionally, acting as a bioreactor modulator, it activates immune responses, demonstrating potential in anti-infection and anticancer applications. This article synthesizes the latest data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. It comprehensively evaluates the therapeutic potential of YBG, starting from its structure-function relationship. It particularly focuses on the application prospects of yeast β-glucan in probiotic-like effects, anti-infectious properties, and anti-cancer activity, and explores the underlying mechanisms of these actions. The aim of this article is to elucidate the positive impact of YBG on health by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing immune responses. Simultaneously, it identifies critical areas for future research to provide theoretical support for its development in biomedical applications.

Potential skincare benefits and self-healing properties of Lignosus rhinocerotis polysaccharides as affected by ultrasound-assisted H2O2/Vc treatment

Natural polysaccharides have been recognized as major bioactive components in skincare and wound care products. In this study, the skincare benefits and self-healing properties of Lignosus rhinocerotis polysaccharides (LRP) and its degraded products (DLRP-1, DLRP-2 and DLRP-3) by ultrasound assisted H2O2/Vc treatment (U-H/V) at different ultrasonic intensity (28.14, 70.35, and 112.56 W/cm2) were investigated. U-H/V altered the internal crystalline structure and microstructure of LRP, and enhanced the thermal stability. Due to the breakage of molecular chains after U-H/V, the moisture absorption of LRP was enhanced but the moisturizing property showed a different degree of reduction. U-H/V significantly improved the antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities of LRP. Furthermore, the results of enzyme kinetic studies showed a mixed competitive-noncompetitive inhibition of tyrosinase activity by DLRP-3 and the inhibition constant of DLRP-3 on tyrosinase was 2.97 mg/mL. The apparent viscosity of LRP dispersions showed a first increasing followed by decreasing trend as ultrasonic intensity rose. U-H/V enhanced the viscoelastic properties of LRP gels without destroying their self-healing properties. This findings reveal that U-H/V is beneficial for improving the skincare efficacy of LRP, providing a theoretical foundation for the applicability of LRP in wound dressings.

A multifunctional gingival retraction cord with antibacterial and hemostasis properties based on Chitosan/Propolis/Tranexamic acid for dental treatment

A novel gingival retraction cord named P/TA@CSy was prepared using chitosan yarns (CSy) loaded with tranexamic acid (TA) and Propolis (P). P/TA@CSy has good toughness with a breaking strength of 41.3 Pa, benefiting from the twisting structure and Propolis coating. A short coagulation time of 456 s was achieved for P/TA@CSy because of the potent blood absorption ability from the effective attachment of tranexamic acid. Moreover, excellent antibacterial ability was obtained with the antibacterial rates against E. coli of 94.73 %, S. aureus of 99.99 % and S. mutans of 99.99 %, contributing to Propolis's antibacterial ability. In addition, suppression of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) was found, which could prevent wound infection. P/TA@CSy displayed excellent cytocompatibility with the cell activity of 100 % after 24 h. Therefore, P/TA@CSy could rapidly respond to gingival hemostasis and infection prevention, showing excellent potential in dental treatment.

β-glucan improves intestinal health of pearl gentian grouper via activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Our previous study has demonstrated that supplementation of yeast β-glucan improves intestinal health in pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀), accompanied by the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of perturbing p38 MAPK activity using an inhibitor on the intestinal health of β-glucan-injected pearl gentian grouper to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of β-glucan on the fish gut. The pearl gentian grouper was categorized into four groups: PBS injected (CD group), β-glucan injected at a dose of 80 mg/kg (βG group), p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 injected at a dose of 1 mg/kg (SB203580 group), and a combination of β-glucan (80 mg/kg) and SB203580 (1 mg/kg) injected together (βG + SB203580 group). The results revealed that the introduction of SB203580 significantly suppressed the β-glucan-induced increase in p38α and p38β mRNA expression, as well as the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Both the βG group and SB203580 group exhibited reduced plica height and muscularis thickness. The βG + SB203580 group displayed a significant reduction in mucin cell level; interleukin 1β (il1β) mRNA expression; induced nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL1β concentration; catalase and total antioxidant capacity activities. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the levels of intestinal malondialdehyde in the βG + SB203580 group compared to the βG group. The inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling halted the trend of apoptosis-related caspase molecular expression induced by β-glucan. In conclusion, β-glucan injection resulted in elevated levels of mucous cells, nonspecific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and anti-apoptosis in grouper by modulating the p38 MAPK pathway. This study offers insights into the potential molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of β-glucan on intestinal health in pearl gentian grouper.

Yeast polysaccharides: The environmentally friendly polysaccharides with broad application potentials

Yeast cell wall (YCW) polysaccharides, including β-glucans, mannans, chitins, and glycogens, can be extracted from the waste of beer industry. They are environmentally friendly, abundant, inexpensive raw materials, and have shown broad biological activities and application potentials. The exploitation of yeast polysaccharides is of great importance for environmental protection and resource utilization. This paper reviews the structural features and preparation of YCW polysaccharides. The solubility and emulsification of yeast polysaccharides and the properties of binding metal ions are presented. In addition, biological activities such as blood glucose and lipid lowering, immune regulation, antioxidant, promotion of intestinal health, and promotion of wound healing are proposed, highlighting the beneficial effects of yeast polysaccharides on human health. Through modification, the physical and chemical properties of yeast polysaccharides are changed, which emphasizes the promotion of their biological activities and properties. In addition, the food applications of yeast polysaccharides, including the food packaging film, emulsifier, thickening agent, and fat alternatives, are focused and discussed.

Positive effects of extracellular polysaccharides from Paecilomyces hepiali on immune-enhancing properties by regulating gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-induced mice

Paecilomyces hepiali is a precious health-care edible medicinal fungus with rich polysaccharides and exhibits various biological activities. Polysaccharides from P. hepiali fermentation broth (PHP) exhibits good immunomodulatory activity; however, the mechanism underlying PHP-mediated regulation of immunity and gut microbiota remains unclear. To reveal the mechanisms, PHP of different doses were used to intervene cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressive model mice. The results revealed that PHP facilitated the secretion of serum cytokines, increased the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, it improved the physical barrier function of the intestine by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins. PHP increased the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, including, Actinobacteriota, Alistipes, Candidatus_Saccharimonas and unclassified_Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, and reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria, Deferribacterota, Mucispirillum and Escherichia_Shigella, promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids, which were positively associated with immune traits. Thus, as an immune enhancer, PHP has the potential to regulate the intestinal immune response in immunosuppressed mice through modulating gut microbiota.

Sulfate glycosaminoglycan from swim bladder exerts immunomodulatory potential on macrophages via toll-like receptor 4 mediated NF-κB signaling pathways

This study explored the immunomodulatory impact and potential mechanisms on macrophages RAW264.7 using a purified macromolecular sulfate glycosaminoglycan (SBSG) from the swim bladder, whose structure was similar to chondroitin sulfate A. The results showed that SBSG at 0.25-1 mg/mL increased the viability and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells. Meanwhile, SBSG promoted the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and nitric oxide (NO), as well as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). According to the RT-PCR and Western blot data, SBSG activated TLR4-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, which decreased the relative mRNA and protein levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), IκB kinase β (IKKβ), NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65. The molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation findings revealed that the main binding force between TLR4 and SBSG was conventional hydrogen bond interaction, resulting in more stable ligand receptor complexes. In summary, SBSG exhibits significant immunomodulatory potential, similar to chondroitin sulfate C. The underlying molecular mechanism involved the binding of SBSG through hydrogen bonding to TLR4 receptors, triggering the NF-κB signaling pathway to downregulate the expression of related genes and proteins. This, in turn, regulated the secretion of various cytokines that were mediated by macrophages to exert the immunity of the body.

Identification and Molecular Mechanism of Novel Two-Way Immunomodulatory Peptides from Ovalbumin: In Vitro Cell Experiments, De Novo Sequencing, and Molecular Docking

The purpose of this study was to identify ovalbumin-derived immunomodulatory peptides by in vitro cell experiments, de novo sequencing, and molecular docking. Ovalbumin hydrolysates were prepared by two enzymes (alkaline protease and papain) individually, sequentially, or simultaneously, respectively. The simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysate (OVAH) had a high degree of hydrolysis (38.12 ± 0.48%) and exhibited immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory activities. A total of 160 peptides were identified by LC-MS/MS in OVAH. Three novel peptides NVMEERKIK, ADQARELINS, and WEKAFKDE bound to TLR4-MD2 through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with high binding affinity and binding energies of -181.40, -178.03, and -168.12 kcal/mol, respectively. These three peptides were synthesized and validated for two-way immunomodulatory activity. NVMEERKIK exhibiting the strongest immunomodulatory activity, increased NO and TNF-α levels by 128.69 and 38.01%, respectively, in normal RAW264.7 cells and reduced NO and TNF-α levels by 27.31 and 39.13%, respectively, in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory RAW264.7 cells. Overall, this study first revealed that ovalbumin could be used as an immunomodulatory source for controlling inflammatory factor secretion.

Yeast glucan particles: An express train for oral targeted drug delivery systems

As an emerging drug delivery vehicle, yeast glucan particles (YGPs) derived from yeast cells could be specifically taken up by macrophages. Therefore, these vehicles could rely on the recruitment of macrophages at the site of inflammation and tumors to enable targeted imaging and drug delivery. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of YGPs in oral targeted delivery systems, covering the basic structure of yeast cells, methods for pre-preparation, drug encapsulation and characterization. The mechanism and validation of the target recognition interaction of YGPs with macrophages are highlighted, and some inspiring cases are presented to show that yeast cells have promising applications. The future chances and difficulties that YGPs will confront are also emphasized throughout this essay. YGPs are not only the "armor" but also the "compass" of drugs in the process of targeted drug transport. This system is expected to provide a new idea about the oral targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs, and furthermore offer an effective delivery strategy for targeted therapy of other macrophage-related diseases.

Aminated yeast β-D-glucan for macrophage-targeted delivery of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and synergistically enhanced cancer immunotherapy

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) activate immune system and show strong potential in cancer immunotherapy. However, therapeutic efficacy of CpG ODNs is hampered due to rapid nuclease degradation and insufficient cellular uptake. Delivery of CpG ODNs into antigen presenting cells (APCs) is vital to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we developed a super-convenient yet efficient strategy for macrophage-targeted delivery of CpG ODNs and synergistically enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Aminated yeast β-D-glucan (NH2-Glu) was simply synthesized through functionalization of β-D-glucan with DETA, which exhibited a dendrimer-like shape with size of about 80 nm. NH2-Glu complexed negatively-charged CpG ODNs. The as-prepared NH2-Glu/CpG complexes were positively charged, uniformly dispersed and exhibited good stability against nuclease degradation. Due to the specific recognition with dectin-1 expressed on macrophages, NH2-Glu/CpG complexes targeted macrophage and exhibited significantly enhanced cellular uptake due to dectin-1-mediated endocytosis. NH2-Glu/CpG complexes showed potent immunostimulatory activity. Contributed by the inherent immunostimulatory and antitumor activity, yeast β-D-glucan functioned synergistically with CpG ODNs in inducing antitumor immunity. NH2-Glu/CpG complexes remarkably inhibited tumor growth without causing toxic effect. In summary, this work provides a facile yet efficient macrophage-targeted CpG ODNs delivery system for cancer immunotherapy.

Bioinspired yeast-based β-glucan system for oral drug delivery

Oral drug delivery is the preferred route of drug administration for patients, especially those who need long-term medication. Recently, bioinspired drug delivery systems have emerged for the oral delivery of various therapeutics. Among them, the yeast-based β-glucan system is a novel and promising platform, for oral administration that can overcome the biological barriers of the harsh gastrointestinal environment. Remarkably, the yeast-based β-glucan system not only protects the drug through the harsh gastrointestinal environment but also achieves targeted therapeutic effects by specifically recognizing immune cells, especially macrophages. Otherwise, it exhibits immunomodulatory properties. Based on the pleasant characteristics of the yeast-based β-glucan system, they are widely used in various macrophage-related diseases for oral administration. In this review, we introduced the structure and function of yeast-based β-glucan. Subsequently, we further summarized the current preparation methods of yeast-based β-glucan carriers and the strategies for preparing yeast-based β-glucan drug delivery systems. In addition, we focus on discussing the applications of β-glucan drug delivery systems in various diseases. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of the β-glucan drug delivery system are introduced.

Beta glucan as an immune stimulant in tumor microenvironment - Insight into lessons and promises from past decade

Cancer is characterized by a perturbed immune landscape. Inside tumor microenvironment, immune system is reprogrammed to facilitate tumor growth and survival rather than eliminating it. This immune evasive mechanism needs to be reversed to normal for effective anticancer therapeutic strategy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a novel strategy for redeployment of immune cells against cancer. However, they suffer in their efficacy, response rate and side effects. This necessitated us to turn toward natural repertoires which can act as a substitute to conventional immunotherapeutics. Beta glucan, a polysaccharide derived from mushroom, serves the role of immunomodulator inside tumor microenvironment. It acts as pathogen associated molecular pattern and bind to various pattern recognition receptors expressed on surface of immune cells thereby facilitating their activation and crosstalk. This result in resurgence of suppressed immune surveillance in the tumor milieu. In this review, we highlight in brief the advances and limitation of cancer immunotherapy. Alongside, we have discussed the detailed mechanistic principle and recent advances underlying restoration of immune functionality by beta glucan.

Oral Cell-Targeted Delivery Systems Constructed of Edible Materials: Advantages and Challenges

Cell-targeted delivery is an advanced strategy which can effectively solve health problems. However, the presence of synthetic materials in delivery systems may trigger side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop cell-targeted delivery systems with excellent biosafety. Edible materials not only exhibit biosafety, but also can be used to construct cell-targeted delivery systems such as ligands, carriers, and nutraceuticals. Moreover, oral administration is the appropriate route for cell-targeted delivery systems constructed of edible materials (CDSEMs), which is the same as the pattern of food intake, resulting in good patient compliance. In this review, relevant studies of oral CDSEMs are collected to summarize the construction method, action mechanism, and health impact. The gastrointestinal stability of delivery systems can be improved by anti-digestible materials. The design of the surface structure, shape, and size of carrier is beneficial to overcoming the mucosal barrier. Additionally, some edible materials show dual functions of a ligand and carrier, which is conductive to simplifying the design of CDSEMs. This review can provide a better understanding and prospect for oral CDSEMs and promote their application in the health field.