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Cranberry Proanthocyanidins - Protein complexes for macrophage activation
Sergio M Carballo1, Linda Haas, Christian G Krueger
1Reed Research Group, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1675 Observatory Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA. jdreed@wisc.edu.
Food & Function
|September 2, 2017
Summary
Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PAC) form stable complexes with proteins like BSA and HEL, modulating macrophage immune responses. These PAC-protein complexes influence macrophage activation and antigen presentation, suggesting potential roles in innate and acquired immunity.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Nutrition
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PAC) are bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.
- Understanding the interaction of PAC with proteins is crucial for their biological activity.
- Macrophage activation and antigen presentation are key components of the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the interaction between cranberry PAC and model proteins (BSA, HEL).
- To determine the effects of these PAC-protein complexes on macrophage activation.
- To investigate the impact of PAC-protein complexes on antigen presentation.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of PAC from cranberry.
- Complexation of PAC with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL).
- Characterization using MALDI-TOF MS, gel electrophoresis, and zeta-potential measurements.
- Assessment of macrophage activation (COX-2, iNOS expression) and antigen presentation (IL-2 production) in vitro.
- Fluorescence microscopy for studying endocytosis.
Main Results:
- Stable PAC-protein complexes were formed, altering protein structure without precipitation.
- PAC-BSA complexes reduced inflammatory markers (COX-2, iNOS) in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
- PAC-HEL complexes enhanced antigen uptake, processing, and presentation, leading to increased IL-2 production.
- Macrophages endocytosed PAC-BSA complexes.
Conclusions:
- Cranberry PAC-protein complexes are stable and can modulate macrophage immune functions.
- These complexes show potential in influencing both innate (activation) and acquired (antigen presentation) immune responses.
- PAC-protein interactions offer a mechanism for cranberry bioactives to impact immunity.
