Adjuvant effect of polysaccharide from fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. in DNA vaccine against systemic candidiasis

Advancements in the extraction, characterization and function activities of polysaccharides from Physalis L.: A review

Physalis L. primarily including five species (P. alkekengi, P. minima, P. angulate, P. pubescens, P. peruviana), with a long history of medicinal and edible use in Asia. The fruit of such plants are not only juicy and appealingly sweet and sour but also an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making it popular choice in Northeast China. Polysaccharides are among the key active ingredients in Physalis L. plants and have attracted significant attention from researchers due to their diverse biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, hypoglycemic, and prebiotic activities. Numerous polysaccharides have been successfully extracted from Physalis L. plants over the past few decades, highlighting their potential in health and nutrition. Despite these advances, there remains a significant lack in the comprehensive evaluation of the extraction processes, intricate high-level structures, and structure-activity relationships pertaining to Physalis L. polysaccharides (PLPs). Given the significance of PLPs in the food industry, biological studies, and drug discovery, a systematic review of PLPs is imperative. This review aims to consolidate existing knowledge regarding their extraction, purification, structural characteristics, functional activities, and potential applications. This provides valuable insights for the application of PLPs in fields such as medicine, functional foods, and cosmetics.

Extracellular fungal Hsp90 represents a promising therapeutic target for combating fungal infections

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a pivotal virulence factor in pathogenic fungi, playing a significant role in conferring drug resistance. However, due to the high amino acid sequence similarity between fungal and mammalian Hsp90, targeting fungal intracellular Hsp90 therapeutically is associated with marked toxic side effects, thereby limiting clinical application. Studies have demonstrated that intracellular fungal Hsp90 can be secreted as extracellular Hsp90 (eHsp90), which plays a crucial role in fungal infections. Strategies targeting fungal eHsp90 have exhibited promising therapeutic outcomes. Unlike intracellular targeting, such antifungal approaches can operate without cell penetration, thereby circumventing the toxic side effects due to Hsp90's high conservation. This review summarizes the potential extracellular secretion pathways of fungal eHsp90, its roles in fungal pathogenesis, as well as the development of vaccines and antibodies targeting fungal eHsp90. The review underlines the significance of eHsp90 in fungal infections and suggests that eHsp90 represents a promising therapeutic target for fungal infection treatment.

Developing mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccine effective for cryptococcosis in a murine model

Cryptococcus neoformans is considered a critical fungal pathogen by the World Health Organization and developing a vaccine for cryptococcosis is a top priority. Here, we employed mRNAs encoding an antigen(s) packaged in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to develop vaccines for cryptococcosis. Remarkably, when coupled with capsule adjuvant, vaccination with CDA1-LNPs protected the vast majority of mice from the otherwise lethal cryptococcosis. These results support the promise of mRNA-LNP vaccines against fungal diseases.

Fungal vaccines and adjuvants: a tool to reveal the interaction between host and fungi

Fungal infections are incurring high risks in a range from superficial mucosal discomforts (such as oropharyngeal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis) to disseminated life-threatening diseases (such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and cryptococcal meningitis) and becoming a global health problem in especially immunodeficient population. The major obstacle to conquer fungal harassment lies in the presence of increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents used in newly clinically isolated strains. Although recombinant cytokines and mono-/poly-clonal antibodies are added into antifungal armamentarium, more effective antimycotic drugs are exceedingly demanded. It is comforting that the development of fungal vaccines and adjuvants opens up a window to brighten the prospective way in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of fungal assaults. In this review, we focus on the progression of several major fungal vaccines devised for the control of Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus spp., Coccidioides spp., Paracoccidioides spp., Blastomyces spp., Histoplasma spp., Pneumocystis spp. as well as the adjuvants adopted. We then expound the interaction between fungal vaccines/adjuvants and host innate (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils), humoral (IgG, IgM and IgA) and cellular (Th1, Th2, Th17 and Tc17) immune responses which generally experience immune recognition of pattern recognition receptors, activation of immune cells, and clearance of invaded fungi. Furthermore, we anticipate an in-depth understanding of immunomodulatory properties of univalent and multivalent vaccines against diverse opportunistic fungi, providing helpful information in the design of novel fungal vaccines and adjuvants.

Genus Physalis L.: A review of resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Physalis L. (Solanaceae) is commonly used in the treatment of dermatitis, leprosy, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatitis and rheumatism in China and other Asian countries.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews the resources, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and applications of Physalis L., and proposes further research strategies to enhance its therapeutic potential in treating various human diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases, including CNKI, SciFinder and PubMed, using the term "Physalis L." to collect information on the resources, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and applications of Physalis L. in China during the past ten years (2013.1-2023.1).

RESULTS

So far, a variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Physalis L. mainly including steroids, flavonoids, and so on. Various pharmacological activities were evaluated by studying different extracts of Physalis L., these activities include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, and other aspects.

CONCLUSION

Physalis L. occupies an important position in the traditional medical system. It is cost-effective and is a significant plant with therapeutic applications in modern medicine. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical use of this plant resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications.

Promising immunotherapeutic targets for treating candidiasis

In the last twenty years, there has been a significant increase in invasive fungal infections, which has corresponded with the expanding population of individuals with compromised immune systems. As a result, the mortality rate linked to these infections remains unacceptably high. The currently available antifungal drugs, such as azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins, face limitations in terms of their diversity, the escalating resistance of fungi and the occurrence of significant adverse effects. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new antifungal medications. Vaccines and antibodies present a promising avenue for addressing fungal infections due to their targeted antifungal properties and ability to modulate the immune response. This review investigates the structure and function of cell wall proteins, secreted proteins, and functional proteins within C. albicans. Furthermore, it seeks to analyze the current advancements and challenges in macromolecular drugs to identify new targets for the effective management of candidiasis.

Research progress on the chemical components and pharmacological effects of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino

Physalis Calyx seu Fructus is the dry calyx or the calyx with fruit of the Solanaceae plant Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino, with a long history of use in medicine and food. However, despite its many potential therapeutic and culinary applications, P. alkekengi is not being exploited for these applications on a large scale. This study analysed various research related to the different chemical components of P. alkekengi, including steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, sucrose esters, piperazines, volatile oils, polysaccharides, amino acids, and trace elements. In addition, research related to the pharmacological activities of P. alkekengi, including its anti-inflammatory, anti microbial, antioxidative, hypoglycaemic, analgesic, anti-tumour, and immunomodulatory effects were investigated. Research articles from 1974 to 2023 were obtained from websites such as Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and journal databases such as Scopus and PubMed, with the keywords such as Physalis alkekengi, components, effects, and activities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress of phytochemical and pharmacological research on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of P. alkekengi and a reference for the better exploitation of P. alkekengi in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Potential of Polyethyleneimine as an Adjuvant To Prepare Long-Term and Potent Antifungal Nanovaccine

Background

Candida albicans infections are particularly prevalent in immunocompromised patients. Even with appropriate treatment with current antifungal drugs, the mortality rate of invasive candidiasis remains high. Many positive results have been achieved in the current vaccine development. There are also issues such as the vaccine's protective effect is not persistent. Considering the functionality and cost of the vaccine, it is important to develop safe and efficient new vaccines with long-term effects. In this paper, an antifungal nanovaccine with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) as adjuvant was constructed, which could elicit more effective and long-term immunity via stimulating B cells to differentiate into long-lived plasma cells.

Materials and Methods

Hsp90-CTD is an important target for protective antibodies during disseminated candidiasis. Hsp90-CTD was used as the antigen, then introduced SDS to "charge" the protein and added PEI to form the nanovaccine. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope were conducted to identify the size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology of nanovaccine. The antibody titers in mice immunized with the nanovaccine were measured by ELISA. The activation and maturation of long-lived plasma cells in bone marrow by nanovaccine were also investigated via flow cytometry. Finally, the kidney of mice infected with Candida albicans was stained with H&E and PAS to evaluate the protective effect of antibody in serum produced by immunized mice.

Results

Nanoparticles (NP) formed by Hsp90-CTD and PEI are small, uniform, and stable. NP had an average size of 116.2 nm with a PDI of 0.13. After immunizing mice with the nanovaccine, it was found that the nano-group produced antibodies faster and for a longer time. After 12 months of immunization, mice still had high and low levels of antibodies in their bodies. Results showed that the nanovaccine could promote the differentiation of B cells into long-lived plasma cells and maintain the long-term existence of antibodies in vivo. After immunization, the antibodies in mice could protect the mice infected by C. albicans.

Conclusion

As an adjuvant, PEI can promote the differentiation of B cells into long-lived plasma cells to maintain long-term antibodies in vivo. This strategy can be adapted for the future design of vaccines.

Natural Products from Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: A Review on Their Structural Analysis, Quality Control, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics

The calyxes and fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (P. alkekengi), a medicinal and edible plant, are frequently used as heat-clearing and detoxifying agents in thousands of Chinese medicine prescriptions. For thousands of years in China, they have been widely used in clinical practice to treat throat disease, hepatitis, and bacillary dysentery. This systematic review summarizes their structural analysis, quality control, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, the possible development trends and perspectives for future research studies on this medicinal plant are discussed. Relevant information on the calyxes and fruits of P. alkekengi was collected from electronic databases, Chinese herbal classics, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Moreover, information was collected from ancient documents in China. The components isolated and identified in P. alkekengi include steroids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, nucleosides, terpenoids, megastigmane, aliphatic derivatives, organic acids, coumarins, and sucrose esters. Steroids, particularly physalins and flavonoids, are the major characteristic and bioactive ingredients in P. alkekengi. According to the literature, physalins are synthesized by the mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate pathways, and flavonoids are synthesized by the phenylpropanoid pathway. Since the chemical components and pharmacological effects of P. alkekengi are complex and varied, there are different standards for the evaluation of its quality and efficacy. In most cases, the analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection. A pharmacological study showed that the crude extracts and isolated compounds from P. alkekengi had extensive in vitro and in vivo biological activities (e.g., anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunosuppressive, antibacterial, anti-leishmanial, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-malarial, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and vasodilatory). Moreover, the relevant anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor mechanisms were elucidated. The reported activities indicate the great pharmacological potential of P. alkekengi. Similarly, studies on the pharmacokinetics of specific compounds will also contribute to the progress of clinical research in this setting.

Polysaccharides derived from Chinese medicinal herbs: A promising choice of vaccine adjuvants

Adjuvants have been used in vaccines for a long time to promote the body's immune response, reducing vaccine dosage and production costs. Although many vaccine adjuvants are developed, the use in human vaccines is limited because of either limited action or side effects. Therefore, the development of new vaccine adjuvants is required. Many studies have found that natural polysaccharides derived from Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possess good immune promoting effects and simultaneously improve humoral, cellular and mucosal immunity. Recently polysaccharide adjuvants have attracted much attention in vaccine preparation because of their intrinsic characteristics: immunomodulation, biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and safety. This review article systematically analysed the literature on polysaccharides possessing vaccine adjuvant activity from TCM plants, such as Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP), Isatis indigotica root polysaccharides (IRPS), etc. and their derivatives. We believe that polysaccharide adjuvants can be used to prepare the vaccines for clinical use provided their mechanisms of action are studied in detail.

Structure analysis of a non-esterified homogalacturonan isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. and its adjuvant effect in OVA-immunized mice

We isolated and purified a pectin from Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea), and analysed its structure by high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ¹H, ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The data indicated that this pectin (designated as POPW-HG) was a linear non-esterified homogalacturonan, which is unique in plants; its molecular weight was around 41.2 kDa. Meanwhile, POPW-HG as an adjuvant was evaluated in the mice immunized with OVA subcutaneously. OVA-specific antibody titres from the sera of immunized mice were tested by ELISA. It showed that POPW-HG significantly enhanced OVA-specific antibody titres (IgG, IgG1, and IgG2b) (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner in the OVA-immunized mice, preliminarily indicating POPW-HG could increase an antibody response, Th1 and Th2 immune response. In addition, the ratio of IgG1/IgG2b suggested POPW-HG induced a Th2-biased response in the OVA-immunized mice. The results demonstrated POPW-HG could be a potential adjuvant candidate in vaccines.

Chitosan hydrogel loaded with recombinant protein containing epitope C from HSP90 of Candida albicans induces protective immune responses against systemic candidiasis

We reported previously a recombinant protein (rP-HSP90C) containing epitope C from heat shock protein 90 of Candida albicans mediates protective immune responses against systemic candidiasis. However, it exhibits weak immunogenicity. Therefore, we evaluated the potential and mechanisms of thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel (CH-HG) as an adjuvant in rP-HSP90C vaccine. CH-HG synthesized by ionic cross-linking showed buffering capacity and control-released rP-HSP90C in vitro. In comparison to naked rP-HSP90C, CH-HG-loaded rP-HSP90C (CH-HG/rP-HSP90C) not only evoked a long-lasting rP-HSP90C-specific IgG, but also enhanced Th1, Th2, Th17 responses and the ratio of Th1/Th2 in vivo; Meanwhile, CH-HG/rP-HSP90C provoked a stronger CTL response than rP-HSP90C. Notably, CH-HG increased the protective immune responses against systemic candidiasis in rP-HSP90C-immunized mice since CH-HG/rP-HSP90C enhanced the survival rate of infected mice, and diminished the CFUs in kidneys compared to rP-HSP90C, which were similar to that of QuilA. Further in vitro investigation displayed CH-HG upgraded the expressions of costimulators, MHCs and cytokines in BMDCs compared to rP-HSP90C；CH-HG also promoted cellular uptake, endosomal escape and "cross-presentation" of rP-HSP90C. In addition, it recruited immune cells at the injection site. Our study demonstrated that CH-HG can be an efficient adjuvant in fungal vaccines.

HO-1 dependent antioxidant effects of ethyl acetate fraction from Physalis alkekengi fruit ameliorates scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments

Physalis alkekengi var. francheti is an indigenous herb well known for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, antipyretic, and expectorant properties. However, the information regarding the impacts of P. alkekengi fruits (PAF) in modulation of oxidative stress and learning memory are still unknown. This study therefore evaluated the antioxidant properties of ethyl acetate (EA) fraction of PAF and its impacts on learning and memory. The antioxidant activities of PAF were evaluated in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells. The potent EA fraction then investigated and confirmed for its involvement of HO-1 pathway using hemin (HO-1 inducer) and ZnPP (HO-1 inhibitor) through Western blotting, DCFH-DA, and/or Griess assay. The involvements of PI3K/Akt, MEK, and p38 MAPK also investigated. Furthermore, we applied EA fraction to the animals at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses to check if the extract could improve scopolamine-induced memory deficits in passive avoidance and elevated plus maze tests. Our results demonstrated that the fractions from PAF significantly inhibited the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by LPS in concentration-dependent manners. In comparison to other fractions, the EA fraction exhibited potent effect in suppressing intracellular ROS generation. Besides, EA fraction also induced the expression of HO-1 in time- and concentration-dependent manners. ZnPP significantly reversed the suppressive effect of EA fraction on LPS-induced ROS generation and NO production, which confirm the involvement of HO-1 signaling in EA-fraction-mediated antioxidant activities. Consistently, blocking of PI3K/Akt, MEK, and p38 MAPK pathways by PAF-EA suppressed the production of intracellular ROS, indicating their potential participation. In addition, one of the major constituents of EA fraction, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, also demonstrated HO-1-dependent antioxidant effects in BV2 cells. Further, the EA fraction significantly (p < 0.05) improves scopolamine-induced memory deficits in mice. Taken together, our findings highlight the antioxidant effects of EA fraction of PAF which may be beneficial in treatment of different neurodegenerative diseases associated with free radicals.

Generation of Well-Defined Micro/Nanoparticles via Advanced Manufacturing Techniques for Therapeutic Delivery

Micro/nanoparticles have great potentials in biomedical applications, especially for drug delivery. Existing studies identified that major micro/nanoparticle features including size, shape, surface property and component materials play vital roles in their in vitro and in vivo applications. However, a demanding challenge is that most conventional particle synthesis techniques such as emulsion can only generate micro/nanoparticles with a very limited number of shapes (i.e., spherical or rod shapes) and have very loose control in terms of particle sizes. We reviewed the advanced manufacturing techniques for producing micro/nanoparticles with precisely defined characteristics, emphasizing the use of these well-controlled micro/nanoparticles for drug delivery applications. Additionally, to illustrate the vital roles of particle features in therapeutic delivery, we also discussed how the above-mentioned micro/nanoparticle features impact in vitro and in vivo applications. Through this review, we highlighted the unique opportunities in generating controllable particles via advanced manufacturing techniques and the great potential of using these micro/nanoparticles for therapeutic delivery.

Anti-ulcer and anti-Helicobacter pylori potentials of the ethyl acetate fraction of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Solanaceae) in rodent

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Solanaceae) has been widely used in Chinese folk medicine due to its wide distribution throughout the country, for the treatment of a wide range of diseases including heat and cold, sore throat, fever, fungal infection, inflammation, toothache, rheumatism, burn, analgesic, ulcer and urinary diseases. However, the effect of P. alkekengi var. franchetii on ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection has not been reported to date.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-Helicobacter pylori and analgesic properties of ethyl acetate fraction of the crude aqueous methanolic extract from the aerial parts of the plant P. alkekengi L. var. franchetii in rodents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute toxicity of the crude extract of P. alkekengi L. var. franchetii (PAF) was evaluated in rats. The petroleum ether fraction (PEF), butanol fraction (BF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and aqueous fraction (AF) of crude aqueous methanolic extract from PAF were screened for anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer potential at doses of 100, 250 and 500mg/kg (p.o.), using carrageenin-induced hind paw edema and ethanol-induced gastric lesions test in rats. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of EAF was assayed subsequently. In addition, three doses of EAF were evaluated for analgesic activity using hot plate and writhing tests, respectively. Finally, we performed a phytochemical analysis of EAF.

RESULTS

Four fractions of crude extract from PAF significantly reduced the paw volume in carrageenin-induced hind paw edema model at different doses (100, 250 and 500mg/kg, p.o.). The fraction EAF at a dose of 500mg/kg exhibited the highest (75.92%) (0.150 ± 0.045***, ***p < 0.001) anti-inflammatory potential, which is similar to indomethacin (***P < 0.001)（0.120 ± 0.014***, 80.74% inhibition of inflammation） at 5mg/kg. Pretreatment with EAF (500mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the intensity of gastric mucosal damage and showed higher gastroprotective activity (90.6%) when compared to the standard drug famotidine (84.6%). In addition, EAF fraction also showed a moderate (P < 0.05) anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with a minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of 500μg/ml. Furthermore, pain sensation was effectively inhibited at 500mg/kg, p.o. of EAF as manifested by an increase (p < 0.001) of latency time in hot plate from 30 to 90min and a decrease (p < 0.001) in count of writhing induced by acetic acid. By HPLC, we determined some steroid, terpenoid and flavonoids (four compounds): kaempferol, quercetin, Blumenol A and physalindicanols A, which were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction and identified using ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-Helicobacter pylori and analgesic properties of EAF of the crude extract from PAF thus justifying its traditional usage.

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: An ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The calyxes and fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (Physalis Calyx seu Fructus), have been widely used in traditional and indigenous Chinese medicines for the therapy of cough, excessive phlegm, pharyngitis, sore throat, dysuria, pemphigus, eczema, and jaundice with a long history.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The present review aims to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation in ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of P. alkekengi var. franchetii, particularly its calyxes and fruits. Through analysis of these findings, evidences supporting their applications in ethnomedicines are illustrated. Possible perspectives and opportunities for the future research are analyzed to highlight the gaps in our knowledge that deserves further investigation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Information on P. alkekengi var. franchetii was collected via electronic search of major scientific databases (e.g. Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Wiley online and China Knowledge Resource Integrated) for publications on this medicinal plant. Information was also obtained from local classic herbal literature on ethnopharmacology.

RESULTS

About 124 chemical ingredients have been characterized from different parts of this plant. Steroids (particularly physalins) and flavonoids are the major characteristic and bioactive constituents. The crude extracts and the isolated compounds have demonstrated various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological functions, such as anti-inflammation, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, antimicrobial activity, diuretic effect, anti-diabetes, anti-asthma, immunomodulation, and anti-oxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

P. alkekengi var. franchetii is an important medicinal plant for the ethnomedical therapy of microbial infection, inflammation, and respiratory diseases (e.g. cough, excessive phlegm, pharyngitis). Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of this plant definitely increased in the past half century. The chemical profiles, including ingredients and structures, have been adequately verified. Modern pharmacological studies supported its uses in the traditional and folk medicines, however, the molecular mechanisms of purified compounds remained unclear and were worth of further exploration. Therefore, the researchers should be paid more attention to a better utilization of this plant.

Phosphorylated Radix Cyathulae officinalis Polysaccharides Act as Adjuvant via Promoting Dendritic Cell Maturation

The aim of this study was to investigate whether phosphorylated Radix Cyathulae officinalis Kuan polysaccharides (pRCPS) used as adjuvant with foot-and-mouth disease vaccine (FMDV) can stimulate specific humoral and cellular immune responses in ICR mice. The results demonstrated that pRCPS significantly up-regulated FMDV-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2b and IgG2a antibody levels and splenocyte proliferation. pRCPS also promoted the killing activities of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK). In addition, pRCPS enhanced the expression levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ in CD4⁺ T cells and the level of IFN-γ in CD8⁺ T cells. Importantly, pRCPS enhanced the expression of MHCII, CD40⁺, CD86⁺, and CD80⁺ in dendritic cells (DCs). This study indicated that phosphorylation modification could increase immune-enhancing activities of RCPS, and pRCPS could promote humoral and cellular immune responses through facilitating DC maturation.

The ethyl acetate fraction from Physalis alkekengi inhibits LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators in BV2 cells and inflammatory pain in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis alkekengi is an edible herb whose fruit and calyx are traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases including inflammation, toothache, and rheumatism. However, the effects of Physalis alkekengi fruit along with its calyx (PAF) on neuroinflammation and inflammatory pain behavior have not been reported yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of PAF on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and several in vivo model of inflammatory pain in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, first we studied the effects of PAF fractions on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-treated BV2 microglial cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the involvements of Akt and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in ethyl acetate fraction of PAF (PAF-EA)-mediated anti-inflammatory effect were measured using Western blotting. In in vivo experiments, the efficacy of PAF-EA was evaluated at the doses of 100 and 200mg/kg using several chemical-induced models of inflammatory pain such as acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and edema.

RESULTS

We found that compared to other fractions, the PAF-EA more potently inhibited the LPS-induced generation of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and reactive oxygen species. It also inhibited LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These actions of EA fraction were found to be associated with a disruption of Akt and MAP kinases signaling pathways. The EA fraction also significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced licking time and edema in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the ethnopharmacological use of P. alkekengi fruit along with its calyx as an anti-inflammatory agent and suggest that the EA fraction of PAF may serve as a potential candidate to treat different neurological disorders and pain associated with inflammation.

Structural characterization of low molecular weight polysaccharide from Astragalus membranaceus and its immunologic enhancement in recombinant protein vaccine against systemic candidiasis

Structure and immunologic enhancement of low molecular weight polysaccharide (LMW-ASP) isolated from the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge. Were detected in recombinant protein vaccine. Structure analysis of LMW-ASP revealed that LMW-ASP (Mw=5.6kDa) was an acid heteropolysaccharide, which consisted of Glc, Gal, Ara, Xyl and GalA in ratio of 10.0：1.3：1.7：1.0：0.9. Recombinant protein (rP-HSP90C) contained epitope C (LKVIRK) from heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) of Candida albicans was used as a vaccine. The results indicated that LMW-ASP significantly promoted specific antibody titers IgG, IgG1, IgG2b, and IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 in sera of mice immunized with rP-HSP90C (p<0.05). It was also found LMW-ASP improved DTH response in HSP90C-injceted mice. More importantly, the mice immunized with rP-HSP90C/LMW-ASP had fewer CFU (colony forming unites) in the kidneys compared to the mice immunized with rP-HSP90C (p<0.05). Therefore, LMW-ASP could be exploited into the novel adjuvant to enhance the efficacy of recombinant protein vaccine.

Characterization and immunoenhancement activities of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides

The aim of this study is to investigate the physicochemical properties, monosaccharide composition and immunomodulatory effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. polysaccharide. The average molecular weight (Mw) of EUPS was 11.4632 × 10(5)Da. The monosaccharide components of EUPS were glucose, fructose, mannose, fucose, galactose and arabinose with a relative mass of 36.6%, 16.6%, 14.2%, 15.7%, 9.5% and 7.4%, respectively. In in vitro experiments, EUPS (1.2-75 μg/mL) treatment of dendritic cells (DC) increased their surface expression of MHC I/II, CD80, CD40, and CD86 and indicated that EUPS induced DC maturation. Furthermore, EUPS also significantly enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and significantly enhanced cytokine (IL-4 and IFN-γ) production. In in vivo experiments, our data showed that EUPS could significantly enhance the FMDV-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibody titers and T cell proliferation. Together, these results suggest that EUPS is a strong immunostimulant.