Anti-Inflammatory Effect of an O-2-Substituted (1-3)-β-D-Glucan Produced by Pediococcus parvulus 2.6 in a Caco-2
Sara Notararigo1,2,3, Encarnación Varela2,4, Anna Otal2
1Molecular Biology of Gram-Positive Bacteria, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB-Margarita Salas-CSIC), Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Bacterial β-glucans are exopolysaccharides (EPSs), which can protect bacteria or cooperate in biofilm formation or in bacterial cell adhesion. Pediococcus parvulus 2.6 is a lactic acid bacterium that produces an O-2-substituted (1-3)-β-D-glucan. The structural similarity of this EPS to active compounds such as laminarin, together with its ability to modulate the immune system and to adhere in vitro to human enterocytes, led us to investigate, in comparison with laminarin, its potential as an immunomodulator of in vitro co-cultured Caco-2 and PMA-THP-1 cells. O-2-substituted (1-3)-β-D-glucan synthesized by the GTF glycosyl transferase of Pediococcus parvulus 2.6 or that by Lactococcus lactis NZ9000[pGTF] were purified and used in this study. The XTT tests revealed that all β-glucans were non-toxic for both cell lines and activated PMA-THP-1 cells' metabolisms. The O-2-substituted (1-3)-β-D-glucan modulated production and expression of IL-8 and the IL-10 in Caco-2 and PMA-THP-1 cells. Laminarin also modulated cytokine production by diminishing TNF-α in Caco-2 cells and IL-8 in PMA-THP-1. All these features could be considered with the aim to produce function foods, supplemented with laminarin or with another novel β-glucan-producing strain, in order to ameliorate an individual's immune system response toward pathogens or to control mild side effects in remission patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases.
Insights
This study shows that bacterial beta-glucans from Pediococcus parvulus modulate immune responses in human cells. These compounds hold potential for functional foods to enhance immunity and manage inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs), like beta-glucans, play roles in bacterial protection, biofilm formation, and cell adhesion.
- Pediococcus parvulus produces an O-2-substituted (1-3)-beta-D-glucan with structural similarities to laminarin.
- This bacterial beta-glucan exhibits immunomodulatory and enterocyte adhesion properties, prompting investigation into its potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the immunomodulatory potential of a bacterial O-2-substituted (1-3)-beta-D-glucan with laminarin.
- To investigate the effects of these beta-glucans on co-cultured Caco-2 and PMA-THP-1 cells.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of bacterial beta-glucans for potential use in functional foods.
Main Methods:
- Purification of O-2-substituted (1-3)-beta-D-glucan synthesized by Pediococcus parvulus 2.6 or Lactococcus lactis NZ9000[pGTF].
- In vitro co-culture of Caco-2 and PMA-THP-1 cells.
- XTT assays to assess cell viability and metabolic activity.
- Analysis of cytokine production and expression (IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α).
Main Results:
- All tested beta-glucans were non-toxic to Caco-2 and PMA-THP-1 cells.
- PMA-THP-1 cell metabolism was activated by the beta-glucans.
- The O-2-substituted (1-3)-beta-D-glucan modulated IL-8 and IL-10 production/expression in both cell lines.
- Laminarin reduced TNF-α in Caco-2 cells and IL-8 in PMA-THP-1 cells.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial O-2-substituted (1-3)-beta-D-glucan demonstrates immunomodulatory effects comparable to laminarin.
- These findings support the development of functional foods incorporating beta-glucans for immune system enhancement.
- Potential applications include improving immune response to pathogens and managing inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.
