Selenized Polysaccharides Exert Immunotherapy Enhancement by Reprogramming Macrophage Polarization: A Comparative...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Macrophage repolarization from M2 to M1 is a key strategy for immunomodulatory functional foods.
• Artemisia sphaerocephala polysaccharide (ASP) serves as a base for novel immunomodulatory agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To structurally characterize ASP and prepare selenized ASPs (SeASPs) with controlled selenium content and molecular mass.
• To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of SeASPs, particularly high-selenium SeASP (SeASP_H), on macrophage polarization and anti-tumor activity.

Main Methods:

• Structural characterization of ASP.
• Preparation of SeASPs using a dissolution-enhanced magnetic solid acid-catalyzed strategy.
• Assessment of macrophage polarization (M1/M2 markers, cytokine production, signaling pathways) and in vitro/in vivo anti-tumor effects.

Main Results:

• SeASP_H demonstrated superior M1-like macrophage polarization compared to sodium selenite and selenium nanoparticles.
• SeASP-reprogrammed macrophages inhibited B16 melanoma cell migration and induced apoptosis.
• In vivo studies showed SeASP_H suppressed tumor growth, modulated macrophage markers in the tumor microenvironment, and enhanced tumor apoptosis with no significant toxicity.

Conclusions:

• High-selenium SeASP (SeASP_H) effectively promotes M1-like macrophage polarization and exhibits anti-tumor properties.
• SeASP_H is a promising organic selenium-enriched polysaccharide for developing immunomodulatory functional food components.