Abstract：
In traditional Chinese medicine, Lycium barbarum is of rich medicinal value, and its polysaccharides are particularly interesting due to their significant pharmacological effects and potential health benefits. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) by examining their interaction with the TLR4/MD-2 complex and the impacts of gastrointestinal digestion on these interactions. We discovered that the affinity binding of LBPs for TLR4/MD-2 and their cytokine induction capability are influenced by molecular weight, with medium-sized LBPs (100-300 kDa) exhibiting stronger binding affinity and induction capability. Conversely, LBPs smaller than 10 kDa showed reduced activity. Additionally, the content of arabinose and galactose within the LBPs fractions was found to correlate positively with both receptor affinity and cytokine secretion. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion resulted in the degradation of LBPs into smaller fragments that are rich in glucose. Although these fragments exhibited decreased binding affinity to the TLR4/MD-2 complex, they maintained their activity to promote cytokine production. Our findings highlight the significance of molecular weight and specific monosaccharide composition in the immunomodulatory function of LBPs and emphasize the influence of gastrointestinal digestion on the effects of LBPs. This research contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides and their practical application.
摘要：
在中医中,枸杞具有丰富的药用价值,和它的多糖是特别有趣的，由于其显著的药理作用和潜在的健康益处。本研究通过研究枸杞多糖（LBPs）与TLR4/MD-2复合物的相互作用以及胃肠道消化对这些相互作用的影响，研究了它们的免疫调节作用。我们发现LBP对TLR4/MD-2的亲和力结合及其细胞因子诱导能力受分子量的影响,具有中等大小的LBP（100-300kDa），具有更强的结合亲和力和诱导能力。相反，小于10kDa的LBP显示出降低的活性。此外,发现LBP级分中阿拉伯糖和半乳糖的含量与受体亲和力和细胞因子分泌均呈正相关。模拟的胃肠消化导致LBP降解为富含葡萄糖的较小片段。尽管这些片段对TLR4/MD-2复合物的结合亲和力降低，它们保持其促进细胞因子产生的活性。我们的发现强调了分子量和特定单糖组成在LBP免疫调节功能中的重要性，并强调了胃肠道消化对LBP作用的影响。这项研究有助于更好地了解中药多糖免疫调节作用的潜在机制及其实际应用。
