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Abstract Title:

The immunostimulating role of lichen polysaccharides: a review.

Abstract Source:

Phytother Res. 2015 Mar ;29(3):317-22. Epub 2014 Oct 22. PMID: 25339289

Abstract Author(s):

Gajendra Shrestha, Larry L St Clair, Kim L O'Neill

Article Affiliation:

Gajendra Shrestha

Abstract:

The immune system has capacity to suppress the development or progression of various malignancies including cancer. Research on the immunomodulating properties of polysaccharides obtained from plants, microorganisms, marine organisms, and fungi is growing rapidly. Among the various potential sources, lichens, symbiotic systems involving a fungus and an alga and/or a cyanobacterium, show promise as a potential source of immunomodulating compounds. It is well known that lichens produce an abundance of structurally diverse polysaccharides. However, only a limited number of studies have explored the immunostimulating properties of lichen polysaccharides. Published studies have shown that some lichen polysaccharides enhance production of nitrous oxide (NO) by macrophages and also alter the production levels of various proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-12, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-α/β) by macrophages and dendritic cells. Although there are only a limited number of studies examining the role of lichen polysaccharides, all results suggest that lichen polysaccharides can induce immunomodulatory responses in macrophages and dendritic cells. Thus, a detailedevaluation of immunomodulatory capacity of lichen polysaccharides could provide a unique opportunity for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents.

Study Type : Review
Additional Links
Pharmacological Actions : Immunostimulatory : CK(730) : AC(226)

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