[Studies on the anticarcinogenic and immunomodulatory actions of 4-seleno-carrageenan]

We have systematically observed in the present study the anticarcinogenic and immunomodulatory effects of 4-Seleno-carageenan (Se-carra) as well as their possible mechanisms of actions in vivo and in vitro. It was found that se-carra had inhibitory effects on tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanisms of this tumor suppressive effect may be related with the activation of macrophages, followed by the indirect priming of lymphocytes to release effector molecules such as IL-2, to express IL-2 receptors, and to selectively suppress the synthesis of macromolecules in tumor cells. The results imply that Se-carra has dual functions of tumor cell-killing effect and immunostimulating effect, therefore may serve as a novel immuno-cytotoxic anticarcinogenic drug.