Purification, characterization and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Pleurotus ferulae
Jinyu Li1, Pengfei Yuan, Xinhui Wang
1College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China. ljyxju@xju.edu.cn zfcxju@xju.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Pleurotus ferulae is an edible mushroom and has been used in Uygur medicine for a long time. In this study, we purified polysaccharides from P. ferulae (PFPS) and investigated its structural characteristics. We obtained a homogeneous PFPS with a molecular weight of around 1600 kDa and prominent characteristic polysaccharide groups, which mainly contained glucose (97%), followed by mannose and galactose (3%). Both 1H and 13C NMR spectra indicated that PFPS contained both α- and β-anomeric configurations. Atomic force microscopy and Congo red-staining data further suggested that PFPS belonged to a linear branched structure that existed in flexible single chains at low concentrations and could form aggregates such as a triple-helical structure at high concentrations. Moreover, PFPS promoted the maturation of dendritic cells through a TLR4 mediated signaling pathway, which is characterized by the increased expressions of CD40, CD86, IL-12 and TNF-α and the decreased endocytosis. The results suggest that PFPS has immunoregulatory activities.
Insights
Polysaccharides from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ferulae (PFPS) exhibit immunoregulatory properties. This study details their structure and how they activate dendritic cells via a TLR4 pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pleurotus ferulae is an edible mushroom with a history of use in Uygur medicine.
- Understanding the bioactive compounds in P. ferulae is crucial for its medicinal applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and characterize polysaccharides from P. ferulae (PFPS).
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of PFPS on dendritic cells.
Main Methods:
- Polysaccharide purification and structural analysis (molecular weight, NMR, AFM, Congo red staining).
- Assessment of dendritic cell maturation markers (CD40, CD86, IL-12, TNF-α) and endocytosis.
- Investigation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway.
Main Results:
- A homogeneous PFPS was obtained with a molecular weight of ~1600 kDa, primarily composed of glucose.
- PFPS possesses a linear branched structure, forming flexible chains or triple-helical aggregates.
- PFPS promoted dendritic cell maturation via TLR4, increasing key immune markers and decreasing endocytosis.
Conclusions:
- PFPS exhibits significant immunoregulatory activities.
- The TLR4 pathway is involved in PFPS-mediated dendritic cell maturation.
- PFPS demonstrates potential as an immunomodulatory agent.
