A new polysaccharide from Hawk tea: Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity associated with...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Pectin-like acidic polysaccharides possess potential health benefits.
• Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in immune system regulation.
• Immune suppression can be induced by chemical agents like CTX.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel acidic polysaccharide (HTP-1) from Hawk tea leaves.
• To investigate the immunoregulatory activities of HTP-1 in a mouse model of CTX-induced immunosuppression.
• To explore the potential mechanisms underlying HTP-1's immunomodulatory effects, particularly its impact on gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of HTP-1 from Hawk tea leaves.
• Administration of HTP-1 to CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice.
• Assessment of jejunum injury, immune organ indexes, cytokine, and immunoglobulin levels.
• Analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gut microbiota composition.

Main Results:

• HTP-1, a 28.6 kDa acidic polysaccharide, was isolated and found to be analogous to pectin.
• HTP-1 dose-dependently alleviated jejunum injury and improved immune organ indexes, cytokines, and immunoglobulins in immunosuppressed mice.
• HTP-1 supplementation increased SCFA content, altered gut microbiota composition, and enriched beneficial bacteria (e.g., Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillaceae).

Conclusions:

• The novel acidic polysaccharide HTP-1 exhibits significant immunoregulatory activities.
• HTP-1's immunomodulatory effects are likely mediated through the regulation of gut microbiota composition and function.
• HTP-1 holds promise for development as a functional food ingredient for immune support.