Systemic Immunomodulatory Effects of Codonopsis pilosula Glucofructan on S180 Solid-Tumor-Bearing Mice

Yuting Fan1, Yan Long1, Youshun Gong1

  • 1Center for Mitochondria and Healthy Aging, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.

Insights

Codonopsis pilosula glucofructan (CPG) significantly inhibits tumor growth in mice by enhancing both humoral and cellular immunity. This bioactive compound boosts key immune signaling molecules and induces cancer cell apoptosis, offering a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tumor growth is closely linked to immune system function.
  • Bioactive compounds show promise in immunotherapy for overcoming resistance and inhibiting tumors.
  • The precise roles of immune components in anti-tumor responses require further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunopotentiating effects of Codonopsis pilosula glucofructan (CPG).
  • To evaluate CPG's impact on humoral and cellular immunity in S180 tumor-bearing mice.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying CPG's anti-tumor activity.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of CPG (100 mg/kg) to S180 tumor-bearing mice.
  • Assessment of tumor growth inhibition.
  • Measurement of immune cell populations and cytokine expression (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α).
  • Analysis of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction in tumor cells.

Main Results:

  • CPG significantly inhibited S180 tumor growth by 45.37%.
  • CPG administration markedly increased levels of Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α).
  • CPG enhanced both B-cell-mediated humoral immunity and immune-cell-mediated cellular immunity.
  • CPG induced S180 cell apoptosis via G0/G1 phase arrest, potentially through the IL-17 signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

  • CPG acts as an effective immunopotentiator against S180 tumors in mice.
  • CPG enhances anti-tumor immune responses by modulating humoral and cellular immunity.
  • CPG-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest contribute to its anti-tumor efficacy, possibly involving the IL-17 pathway.

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