Type II arabinogalactan from Anoectochilus formosanus induced dendritic cell maturation through TLR2 and TLR4.

BACKGROUND

Polysaccharides, considered as immunomodulators with the capacity to activate immunity against microbial pathogens and tumors, have been employed for their dietary and medical benefits.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of polysaccharide such as type II arabinogalactan from Anoectochilus formosanus (AGAF) on dendritic cell (DC) maturation and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

Exposing DCs to AGAF induces cell maturation, which is characterized by the upregulation of CD86, CD83, CD80, CD40, and MHC class I and class II expression through flow cytometry analysis and morphological change without cytotoxicity. In addition, AGAF-triggered DC2.4 cells were involved in priming T-cell activation in vitro and in vivo. Transfection of toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 proteins and TLR4 siRNA suppressed DC maturation, suggesting that AGAF induced DC maturation through TLR2 and TLR4.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that AGAF may be a potentially effective immunomodulator in stimulating DC maturation.