An arabinose-rich heteropolysaccharide isolated from Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC treats liver cancer by targeting FAK and activating CD40

An undisclosed polysaccharide, BCP80–2, was isolated from Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. Structural investigation revealed that BCP80–2 consists of ten monosaccharide residues including t-α-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-α-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-Araf-(1→, →4)-β-Xylp-(1→, →3)-α-Rhap-(1→, →4)-β-Manp-(1→, t-β-Glcp-(1→, →6)-α-Glcp-(1→, t-β-Galp-(1→, and→3)-α-Galp-(1→. In vivo activity assays showed that BCP80–2 significantly suppressed neoplasm growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis in zebrafish. Mechanistic studies have shown that BCP80–2 inhibited cell migration of HepG2 cells by suppressing the FAK signaling pathway. Moreover, BCP80–2 also activated immunomodulatory activity and upregulated the secretion of co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD86, CD80, and MHC-II. In conclusion, BCP80–2 inhibited tumor progression through targeted inhibition of FAK signaling pathway and activating CD40-induced adaptive immunity.