Event Abstract

Beta-glucans Uptake by Human Dendritic Cells via a Variety of Endocytotic Mechanisms

  • 1 the University of Hong Kong, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong, SAR China

β-glucans are natural polysaccharides carrying β-glycosidic bonds and exist diversely in cell wall of bacteria and fungi. Ganoderma Lucidum (G.lucidum) is a kind of mushrooms fungus that has been consumed for ages with potent immunomodulatory effects on human immune cells. Since the β-1-3 and 1-6 glycosidic linkages of β-glucans cannot be digested by human, how β-glucans are uptaken and then stimulate dendritic cells (DCs) remains elusive. We therefore explored whether its uptake involves various endocytotic pathways. We utilized human monocyte-derived DCs as in vitro models and investigated the involvement of three known endocytosis mechanisms: clathrin-mediated, caveolae-dependent and macropinocytosis. Chlorpromazine (CPZ), genistein (GNS) and cytochalasin D (CCD) were selected as their respective inhibitors. G.lucidum β-glucans (GL-PS) were used due to its high potency in stimulating the DCs maturation. Cell colonies were observed by microscopy and selected CD markers expression were assessed by Flow Cytometry. Our results showed that all inhibitors exerted suppressive effects on DCs maturation by downregulating a panel of surface maturation markers expressions. The suppression indirectly suggested that GL-PS was internalized via these 3 mechanisms. Therefore, we hypothesized that clathrin, caveolae and macropinocytosis pathways were all potentially involved in β-glucans uptake into DCs. Further study is ongoing to confirm our findings.

Keywords: β-glucans, Ganoderma lucidum, Polysaccharides, human dendritic cell, Endocytosis

Conference: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Milan, Italy, 22 Aug - 27 Aug, 2013.

Presentation Type: Abstract

Topic: Adaptive Immunity

Citation: Cao J and Chan G (2013). Beta-glucans Uptake by Human Dendritic Cells via a Variety of Endocytotic Mechanisms. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2013.02.00329

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Received: 25 Mar 2013; Published Online: 22 Aug 2013.

* Correspondence: Prof. Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan, the University of Hong Kong, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China, gcfchan@hku.hk