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First transcriptomic insight into the reprogramming of human macrophages by levan-type fructans
Ella Peled1, Selay Tornaci2, Ivan Zlotver1
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanomaterials Science, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|September 2, 2023
Summary
Halomonas levans, a type of fructan, can reprogram anti-inflammatory macrophages to a pro-inflammatory (M1) state. These biocompatible biomaterials show potential for anti-cancer therapies by activating macrophages.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Macrophage Biology
Background:
- Macrophages exhibit M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes.
- Drug-free biomaterials, particularly polysaccharides, can modulate macrophage polarization.
- Levan, a fructan, is a potential biomaterial with limited research on macrophage interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of Halomonas levan derivatives with human macrophages.
- To assess the impact of levan on macrophage phenotype and function.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of Halomonas levans in modulating macrophage polarization.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using human macrophages.
- Cell viability assays to assess biocompatibility.
- RNA-sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR to analyze gene expression.
- Cytokine release assays to measure inflammatory responses.
Main Results:
- Halomonas levans are cell-compatible with human macrophages.
- Levan treatment upregulates pro-inflammatory pathways and genes (CXCL8, IL-6).
- Hydrolyzed levans promote M2-to-M1 macrophage reprogramming and increase pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
Conclusions:
- Halomonas levans induce classical macrophage activation towards the M1 phenotype.
- These findings support the application of Halomonas levans in therapies requiring a pro-inflammatory macrophage response.
- Levan derivatives represent a promising class of biomaterials for immunomodulation.
