14 July, 2022

by Shi Lei

Recently, a research group from Huazhong Agricultural University publishes an article named New insight into the structure-dependent two-way immunomodulatory effects of water-soluble yeast β-glucan in macrophages in the periodical Carbohydrate Polymers. The study indicates that yeast β -glucan has structure-dependent two-way immunomodulatory effects in macrophages, and the signaling pathways of MAPK and -κB(NF-κB) are triggered in two-way immunomodulatory activity. So the research provides a pharmacological basis for WYG controlling inflammatory diseases.

Below are the main contents of the research :

Preparation and Conformation of Yeast β-Glucan

Yeast β -glucan of Hubei Angel Yeast Co., Ltd. obtains WYG and water-insoluble residues by drying degreasing, alkali treating and acid treating. WYG obtains WYG1-4 through gel chromatography separation, and the water-insoluble residues obtain WYG5 after the 1.0MHCl degradation and chromatographic separation. All the five WYG components have a β-(1,3) glucan backbone, and each of the five residues contains a β-(1,6) linked glucosyl-based residue (5:1). The molecular weights and structures of the five WYG species are all different. The molecular weights of WYG1-5 are 3700×103, 2830×103, 1320×103, 172.5×103 and 54.5×103g/mol, respectively. And the chain conformation of WYG1-3 is spherical, and that of WYG4-5 is straight.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Yeast β -Glucan

All the five WYG components significantly stimulate NO production in a dose-dependent mode, suggesting that they have significant immunomodulatory activities. And the five WYG components show different immunomodulatory effects in macrophages with or without LPS, suggesting that they may have two-way immunomodulatory effects in macrophages, among which WYG-2 has the highest two-way immunomodulatory activity.

All the five WYG components can improve the phagocytosis activity of macrophages. And all the five kinds of WYGs can reduce the activity of LPS pretreated macrophages, showing a positive two-way regulation relation, among which WYG-2 has the best inhibitory effect.

WYG can stimulate macrophages to secrete cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, while after LPS treatment, WYG will inhibit the productions of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.

Immunomodulatory Pathway of Yeast β -Glucan

Macrophage nucleus and NF-κB p65 protein have been stained, and the effect of WYG-2 on NF-κB p65 protein translocation has been studied by immunofluorescence. Nuclear translocation of the p65 protein has been observed in treatment with WYG-2 and LPS alone. All the results indicate that WYG-2 can activate macrophages through MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Summary

All the five WYG components show two-way immunomodulatory effects on inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. And NO production, phagocytic activity and cytokine secretion are significantly promoted when the five WYG components are individually applied to macrophages. However, significant inhibition has been found in the application of WYG component in lPS-treated macrophages. The spherical WYG-2 component with molecular weight of 2830×103g/mol shows the best two-way immunomodulatory effect. Both MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways have been found to be related to two-way immunomodulatory effect. This research not only reveals the structure-activity relationship of WYG, but also provides a pharmacological basis for its application in the control of inflammatory diseases.

About Angel Human Health：

Specialized in yeast and fermentation, AHH is committed to developing innovative, differentiated, science-based functional ingredients and customized solutions, to help our customers get enduring success, as well as contribute to a healthier and sustainable world together.

About Angel:

Angel Yeast Company is a high-tech listed company specializing in yeast and biotech. Product business covers Yeast and Baking, Yeast Extract-Savoury, Nutrition & Health and Biotechnology fields. It is one of the world's leading companies in the yeast industry. Angel has 12 holding subsidiaries and provides products and services for more than 150 countries and regions.

Press Contact:

ANGEL YEAST CO., LTD

Address: 168 Chengdong Avenue, Yichang, Hubei 443003, P. R.China

Tel: +86 717 6369570

Email: Nutritech@angelyeast.com