Structural analysis and immunomodulatory activity of a homopolysaccharide isolated from Parabacteroides distasonis

A homopolysaccharide fraction (PEP-1A) with desired immunomodulatory activity was isolated from culture broth of Parabacteroides distasonis. Structural characterization uncovered that PEP-1A had a molecular weight of 3.40 × 106 Da and possessed mannose merely. Comprehensive analysis of FT-IR, GC–MS and 1D/2D NMR confirmed that the structure of PEP-1A was expected as follows: Download : Download high-res image (61KB)Download : Download full-size image Finally, the activity assays on RAW 264.7 macrophages showed that PEP-1A could promote proliferation, increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhance the phagocytosis, and promote the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Furthermore, PEP-1A could give play to immunoregulation effect through NF-κB, MAPK and Akt signaling pathways. Collectively, the study of PEP-1A offers a molecular underpinning for the future application of PEP-1A as a potential immunostimulant.