Jingyang Wei1
Yanpeng Dai2
Ni Zhang3Zijian Wang4
Xinchen Tian5
Tinghao Yan3Xiaohan Jin6,7*
Shulong Jiang1,7*- 1Second college of clinical medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- 2Institute of Chinese Medicine Processing, Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- 3Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- 4College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- 5Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People’s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
- 6Center for Post-Doctoral Studies, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- 7Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining, China
Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are the predominant innate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cytokines induce the differentiation of macrophages into distinct types of TAMs, primarily characterized by two phenotypes: M1-polarized and M2-polarized. Cancer growth is suppressed by M1-polarized macrophages and promoted by M2-polarized macrophages. The regulation of macrophage M1 polarization has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Polysaccharides are important bioactive substances found in numerous plants, manifesting a wide range of noteworthy biological actions, such as immunomodulation, anti-tumor effects, antioxidant capabilities, and antiviral functions. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest regarding the immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties of polysaccharides derived from plants. The regulatory impact of polysaccharides on the immune system is mainly associated with the natural immune response, especially with the regulation of macrophages. This review provides a thorough analysis of the regulatory effects and mechanisms of plant polysaccharides on TAMs. Additionally, an analysis of potential opportunities for clinical translation of plant polysaccharides as immune adjuvants is presented. These insights have greatly advanced the research of plant polysaccharides for immunotherapy in tumor-related applications.
1 Introduction
Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial adjunctive anti-tumor modality, complementing established treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. Its significance lies in the capacity to elicit sustained remission with diminished side effects (1). Immunotherapy involves the precise identification and elimination of cancer cells by immune cells within the TME, which constitutes an intricately organized ecosystem where both cellular and cell-free components possess the capability to reprogram various facets of tumor dynamics, including initiation, growth, infiltration, metastasis, and responsiveness to anticancer therapy (2). Macrophages are acknowledged as pivotal effectors of immune responses within the TME. During the development of cancer, macrophages significantly influence the inflammatory process in the TME. Given the tumor-promoting effects of TAMs, preclinical studies on strategies to counteract TAMs have made some progress. In general, these include reducing the recruitment of TAMs and “reprogramming” TAMs (3–5). Consequently, acquiring a profound comprehension of TAMs becomes imperative to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapeutic interventions.
In the innate immune system, macrophages perform a number of critical functions, such as phagocytosis removing cellular debris, controlling infections, and maintaining dynamic tissue homeostasis. Macrophages also express different functional programs in response to different signals from the microenvironment (6). This implies that macrophages have a wide range of phenotypic states and that M1 and M2 types are the extremes of macrophage functional states (6, 7). M1-like macrophages exhibiting strong cytotoxicity and antigen-raising capacity contribute to antitumor immunity. Conversely, M2-like macrophages with immunosuppressive properties promote tumor progression (8). Circulating monocytes and tissue macrophages are co-recruited into the TME and become TAMs through various soluble or mechanical factors (9–12). TAMs are also the predominant host cells in the TME. Research evidence suggests that macrophages, an important component of TME, display tumor-fighting immune responses during initiation but shift to a protumor capacity in late-stage malignancies, supporting angiogenesis and promoting tumor migration and invasion (13). Thus, TAMs can exhibit diverse responses to TME alterations. Findings demonstrate that TAMs enrichment predicts poor prognosis and drug resistance across multiple tumor types (14, 15). Therefore, targeting macrophage polarization is a promising therapeutic strategy. Acting on the TAMs in TME to change their M2 to M1 phenotype is an intriguing and promising therapeutic approach (16, 17)..
Natural products are distinguished by their abundant origins as well as innovative and diverse structures. It has been manifested that they served as a valuable resource for the discovery of anti-tumor drugs. Natural polysaccharides derived from plants, especially plant polysaccharides used in traditional Chinese medicine, have recently attracted great interest due to their broad spectrum of bioactivities, potent therapeutic potential, and low toxicity. Extensive research indicates that plant polysaccharides exhibit biological effects such as antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulation, regulation of intestinal microbiota, and antiviral activity (18–21). More significantly, numerous studies demonstrate that plant polysaccharides exert immune-stimulating effects on macrophages, altering their polarization state for anti-tumor phenotype. For instance, Astragalus polysaccharides, Panax polysaccharides, and Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides have immune-stimulating or activating effects on macrophages, primarily involving cytokine secretion, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) and the regulation of numerous signaling pathways. Thus, plant polysaccharides exhibit promising potential as immune therapy modifiers for malignancy prevention and treatment.
This review discusses the classification and sources of various natural plant polysaccharides acting on macrophages and the immunomodulatory effects of plant polysaccharides targeting macrophage polarization and provides an in-depth summary of the results of clinical translational research on plant polysaccharides as potential therapeutic agents. In conclusion, we address the difficulties and constraints associated with plant polysaccharides as possible modulators and emphasize the need for further investigations.
2 Macrophage polarization and immunotherapy
Macrophages, as the principal constituents of the innate immune system and consequential contributors to the adaptive immune system, manifest noteworthy efficacy in immune responses (22). The human body harbors a considerable population of macrophages, undertaking pivotal roles encompassing phagocytosis, exogenous antigen presentation, and immunoregulation through the release of cytokines and growth factors. Importantly, macrophages demonstrate substantial adaptability, marked by functional diversity. Monocytes are no longer considered merely precursor cells to macrophages. Evidence from mice and humans that tissue macrophages originate from embryonic and adult circulating myeloid precursors (10). In many mouse tumor models, circulating monocytes are the main precursors of TAMs (13, 23). In the context of human bone marrow transplantation, lymphoma-associated macrophages were found to originate from myeloid precursors (24).
When exposed to various stimulus signals, macrophages enter a condition known as “macrophage polarization,” which changes their morphology, function, and phenotype (25, 26). The classical concept divides polarized macrophages into two categories: M1 classical activated macrophages and M2 alternative activated macrophages. The two polarization states are shown in Figure 1. Depending on the type of inducer and expression marker, M2 macrophages can be categorized into a number of different subtypes, including M2a, M2b, M2c, M2d, and M2f (27). However, the expression of all subtypes in vivo remains unknown (28). M1 macrophages are activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytokines (predominantly IFN-γ and IL-2) exhibiting high levels of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II (26). They are able to produce large amounts of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, etc.) and release NO and ROS, which play an important role in pathophysiological processes such as killing pathogens, resisting parasites and tumor cells, and pro-inflammatory responses (22, 25). M2 macrophages, induced by IL-4, IL-33, and TGF-β stimulation, usually expressing CD206 and CD163, are regulated by a variety of transcription factors and secreted cytokines in regulating tumor growth, thereby modulating inflammation, suppressing immune response, and stimulating cellular and tissue remodeling, angiogenesis and tumor progression (29, 30).
Figure 1. Phenotypes of macrophage polarization. Exposure to diverse cytokine environments induce monocytes’ differentiation towards polarized macrophage subpopulations. When exposed to LPS, IFN-γ or other microbial products, monocytes differentiate into M1 macrophages. When exposed to IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and immunosuppressive agents, monocytes differentiate into M2 macrophages. The M1 and M2 subpopulations are functionally and phenotypically distinct. The M1 cells exert an antitumorigenic effect. Conversely, the M2 cells contribute to a pro-tumorigenic milieu. (Created with BioRender.com).
Additionally, macrophages demonstrate adaptability by modulating the TME as a tumor advances. It is noteworthy that not all TAMs manifest the M2 phenotype. Intriguingly, TAMs undergo a phenotypic transformation to M2 in hypoxic TME conditions, thereby promoting tumor progression through the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and consequent inhibition of immune effector cells (6, 25, 31). In addition to cytokine secretion, there are several immunosuppressive receptors on the surface of macrophages, such as sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins (Siglecs), signal-regulating protein alpha (SIRPα), leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B (LILRB), macrophage receptor with collagen structure (MARCO), and Clever-1 (32–36). Cancer cells express anti-phagocytic surface proteins CD24 and CD47 that interact with Siglec-10 and SIRPα, respectively, triggering “don’t eat me” signals to evade immune surveillance and immune clearance (37, 38). Shen et al. used CD24/Siglec-10 blocking peptide (CSBP), which blocks the interaction between CD24/Siglec-10 and PD-1/PD-L1, to enhance macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells and activate CD8 T cells (39). The molecule Clever-1 is expressed in M2-polarized macrophages. Targeting Clever-1 is anticipated to enhance existing immunotherapy approaches by enabling T-cell and macrophage-mediated anticancer immunity (36). We discuss current strategies for targeting macrophages, which include (1) altering the composition of TAM cells (2); reprogramming TAM cells to polarize M2 to M1 (3); modulation of macrophages by cytokines; and (4) functional blockade of immunosuppressive macrophages, such as Siglec-9/10, SIRPα, MARCO, LILRB2, and Clever-1. Macrophage-based immunotherapies are expected to advance immuno-oncology in the coming years.
3 Natural plant polysaccharides as modulators of macrophage polarization
Plant polysaccharides are polymers consisting of multiple monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds, produced by plant cell metabolism. Current research on plant polysaccharides focuses on extraction and purification, structural characterization and analysis of immunomodulatory activities (40–44). The majority of plant polysaccharides predominantly interact with both the innate and adaptive immune systems, thereby augmenting host immunity and indirectly exerting suppressive effects on tumors (21, 45, 46). Especially, plant polysaccharides have significant effects on the regulation of immune responses by altering the activity and activities of macrophages. This, in turn, contributes to their anti-tumor and immune regulatory properties. They play a role in controlling the activity of macrophages and adjusting the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, in order to coordinate a suitable inflammatory reaction. Moreover, these polysaccharides have the potential to improve the process of macrophage phagocytosis, therefore facilitating the elimination of pathogens or aberrant cells. Furthermore, it is believed that they regulate the polarization state of macrophages, influencing the intricate equilibrium between their M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) states. Plant polysaccharides therefore show great promise as bioactive modulators in tumor therapy and open up new options for the synthesis of novel immunomodulatory medications.
3.1 Classification, sources of natural plant polysaccharides acting on macrophages
It has been noted above that polysaccharides with the potential to modulate macrophage function have been found in a variety of plants. The fractions and biological activities of certain plant polysaccharides are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Immunomodulatory activity of natural plant polysaccharides on macrophages.
The biological activity of polysaccharides is related to their chemical composition and structure, such as molecular weight (Mw), conformation, and glycosidic bonding (89). There are large differences in the antitumor activity of polysaccharides composed of different monosaccharides. The majority of plant polysaccharides based on glucose (Glc) and rhamnose (Rha) currently exhibit strong anti-tumor action; the more Glc there is in the polysaccharide, the more anti-tumor activity there is (49–51). While some polysaccharides have only one monosaccharide component, others are made up of complicated sets of monosaccharides. In contrast to the polysaccharides isolated from Smilax glabra Roxb, which consisted of mannose (Man), fucose (Fuc), and Glc, all three polysaccharides derived from Cistanche deserticola were determined to be composed of Glc (80, 90). Furthermore, various fractions of plant polysaccharides can be isolated from a single plant, and each polysaccharide displays distinct functional effects. For example, WSRP-2a and WSRP-2b, both pectic polysaccharides, were isolated from Rosa setate x Rosa rugosa waste (47). These two fractions were mainly composed of glucuronic acid (GlcA), galacturonic acid (GalA), arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal) and Rha, but the average molecular weights varied considerably, 56.8 and 23.9 kDa, respectively (47). WSRP-2b exhibited higher α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, which may be related to the higher content of glucuronides or lower relative molecular mass of WSRP-2b (91). The effect of WSRP-2a on the RAW264.7 cell proliferation and cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) secretion with strong stimulatory effect and more immune-enhancing activity (47). The conformational relationship of pectic polysaccharides is not clear, and Wu et al. hypothesized that the different bioactivities may be due to different molecular weights (47).
Polysaccharides derived from edible or medicinal plants have several effects on macrophages, including increasing their phagocytic activity, inducing the expression of various cytokines and chemokines, upregulating ROS and NO production, and inducing either the M0 to M1 transition or the polarization of M2 to M1 states. For example, Astragalus polysaccharide (PG2), a principal active constituent from Astragalus membranaceus root, displays robust bioactivity in vitro and in vivo studies, being efficiently employed for use in the treatment of cancer and other diseases (92). Bamodu et al. demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo experiments that PG2 dose-dependently and significantly increased the polarization ratio of M1 macrophages and down-regulated IL-4- and IL-13-induced M2 polarization in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (93). RAP is a purified polysaccharide extracted from Radix Astragali polysaccharides containing Rha, Ara, Glc and Gal, with a backbone consisting of 1,2,4-linked Rhap, α-1,4-linked Glcp, α-1,4-linked GalAp6Me and β-1,3,6-linked GalP (94). Wei et al. demonstrated that RAP induced the expression of M1 marker genes such as iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and CXCL10, attenuated 4T1 cell growth, and transitioned macrophages towards an M1 phenotype or reversed M2 polarization to M1 (74).
To demonstrate the targeting of plant polysaccharides on macrophages, clodronate liposomes are a well-established method of depleting macrophages (95). Wang et al. depleted and replenished macrophages within C57BL/6 mice to further demonstrate that Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides can inhibit tumor growth by promoting polarization of M1 macrophages (96). In addition, studies on the mechanisms reveal that the TLRs- NF-κB pathway and the activated AMPK- PPARs pathway contribute to the anti-tumor effect of polysaccharides in vitro and in vivo. Apple polysaccharides (AP) have a relative molecular mass of 5,000-10,000 Da and their main components are GalA and Gal (76). Sun et al. found that AP not only increased macrophage M1 markers (iNOS, TNF -α, IL -23) and decreased macrophage M2 markers (TGF-β, IL -4, IL -10), but also converted M2 macrophages to M1 phenotype via TLR-4 signaling (76).
3.2 Mechanism of plant polysaccharides activating macrophages
Plant polysaccharides regulate immunity in a multifaceted modulatory manner, with a clearer mechanism observed in macrophages. Specifically, plant polysaccharides stimulate the release of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and NO, thereby promoting macrophage differentiation toward the M1 phenotype (76, 93). Simultaneously, research has elucidated the molecular mechanism of polysaccharide immunomodulation. Plant polysaccharides interact primarily with macrophage surface receptors, encompassing the mannose receptor (MR), Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4), and Dectin-1 receptor, or other derivatives (41). Macrophages are activated and stimulate signal transduction pathways leading to transcriptional activation and production of inflammatory factors.
3.2.1 Regulation of cytokines and chemokines
Cytokines serve as crucial mediators in orchestrating the interplay between immune and non-immune cells within the TME (97). Notably, cytokines like IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, known for their inflammatory enhancement properties, contribute to stimulating tumor cell immunity, thereby fostering anti-tumor activity (60). Conversely, cytokines such as IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β operate by inhibiting inflammation and suppressing immune cells, consequently creating an environment conducive to tumor progression (15). Figure 2 demonstrates that natural plant polysaccharides modulate the production and secretion of cytokines involved in polarization.
Figure 2. Natural plant polysaccharides act to polarize the M2 phenotype to the M1 phenotype in the TME. In addition to directly inducing apoptosis in tumor cells, polysaccharides exhibit the capacity to impede tumorigenesis and progression by influencing the TME. Specifically, these natural polysaccharides enhance the expression of M1 cytokines, including IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-23, while concurrently inhibiting the expression of M2 cytokines such as IL-10, IL-13, TGF-β, and IL-4 within the TME. This dual action underscores the potential therapeutic efficacy of natural polysaccharides in the intricate regulation of TME, thereby presenting a promising avenue for cancer treatment strategies. (Created with BioRender.com).
Three acidic polysaccharides (APS-3a, APS-3b, and APS-3c) were extracted from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diel by Cao et al. Among them, APS-3b and APS-3c, but not APS-3a, showed significant antitumor effects in vivo (52). The reason for the different anti-tumor activity functions may be related to the chemical structure (e.g., relative molecular mass, monosaccharide composition) of these acidic polysaccharides. Compared to APS-3a (5.9×105 Da), APS-3b and APS-3c had lower molecular weights (2.3×105 Da and 1.4×104 Da) (52). APS-3a and APS-3b have the same monosaccharide composition, while APS-3c contains more xylose (Xyl) (52). Each polysaccharide also contains different major monosaccharides. Glc is the primary monosaccharide of APS-3a, Ara is the main monosaccharide of APS-3b, and Man, Rha, and Glc are the major monosaccharides of APS-3c (52). In order to clarify the connection between the architectures of the three acidic polysaccharides and their functional activities, more research is required. Im et al. purified the polysaccharide SHP in Salicornia herbacea and found that the combination of SHP and IFN-γ synergistically inhibited the growth of mouse RAW 264.7 and stimulated the secretion of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β from RAW264.7 (98). Zhang et al. identified, MC-2, a heteropolysaccharide consisting of Ara, Man, Glc and Gal extracted from Lepidium meyenii (maca) (54). MC-2 increased the concentrations of IL-6 and iNOs, whereas the levels of IL-10 and arginase-1 (Arg-1) remained unchanged, suggesting that MC-2 induces macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype. However, the effect of MC-2 on macrophage polarization is limited. In addition, They found that MC-2 markedly enhances IL-6 and iNOS mRNA production in IL-4-induced M2 macrophages, suggesting that MC-2 can convert M2 macrophages into M1 (54). PG2 dose-dependently enhanced M1 polarization while downregulating IL-4 or IL-13-induced M2 polarization. High M2/M1 status in TME is often associated with poor prognosis in most solid tumors (99). Consequently, PG2-induced M2 macrophage elimination offers an innovative approach to immune therapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients (93).
Chemokines regulate macrophage polarization. Studies have shown that CCL19, CCL21, CCL24, CCL25, and CXCL10 specifically induce M1 macrophage chemotaxis (100). TAMs secrete CCL3 (101), CCL5 (102), CCL15 (103), CCL18 (104), and other chemokines that can promote tumor metastasis, contribute to angiogenesis, and enhance immunosuppression and cancer cell resistance post-chemotherapy. Liu et al. concluded that macrophage-secreted CCL5 stabilizes PD-L1 in vitro and in vivo, suppressing T-cell killing of HT29 cells, and thereby promoting immune escape (105). Therefore, comprehending the function of chemokines within TME and manipulating them therapeutically offers potential strategies for cancer treatment (106).
3.2.2 NO and ROS generation
NO mediates cell death, eliminates infectious organisms, and functions as a signaling molecule (107). A growing number of studies reveal that iNOS mediates NO upregulation post-LPS macrophage activation, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and tricarboxylic acid cycle disorder, resulting in macrophage transformation into M1 (108). Thus, NO has become an important marker for the transformation of M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages and enhanced tumor suppressor conditions (109). Zhou et al. reported that APS were able to directly increase NO production by macrophages in vitro, participate in pathogen clearance, and promote tumor cell destruction by activated macrophages (110). Lily polysaccharides can enhance immune function by significantly inducing NO production in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner (69). The structure of water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from juniper cones contains type II arabinogalactans, which were analyzed by Schepetkin et al. for their ability to induce iNOS and NO production in macrophages (111).
ROS is essential for the induction and maintenance of M1-type macrophage polarization. It has been reported that ROS promotes the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in macrophages and interferes with macrophage differentiation by stimulating the NF-κB and P38MAPK signaling pathways. BRHE, an extract isolated from black radish, was able to induce ROS production in RAW264.7 cells, and ROS are involved in immunostimulatory functions through phagocytic activation (60). The innate immune response is aided by phagocytosis, the initial reaction of an activated macrophage to invasive pathogens or microbes. Activated macrophages secrete more cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which act on pathogens and cancer cells (112). Thus, reducing the growth advantage of tumor cells is possible through balancing ROS generation and antioxidant defense (113).
3.2.3 Regulation of surface receptor expression
Plant polysaccharides primarily activate macrophages through the recognition of polysaccharide polymers by certain receptors. These receptors include TLRs, mannose receptors (MR), Dectin-1 receptors, complement receptors (CRs), scavenger receptors (SR), and others. Numerous studies have shown that TLRs play an essential role in the macrophage response to many microbial infections. Polysaccharides interacting with TLRs mainly contain glycosidic bonds of the α-(1→3), α-(1→4), β-(1→3), and β-(1→4) types (114, 115). One such receptor, TLR4, is necessary for many polysaccharide-recognition signaling events (116). In response to pathogen invasion, inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17, TNF, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-2 are produced when TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling is triggered (117). For example, MC-2 polysaccharides exhibit elevated glucose levels, particularly β- (1, 3)-Glc, β- (1, 4)-Glc, and α-(1→4)-Glc, which are consistently associated with TLR4 (54). In addition, TLR4 receptors-mediated signaling pathway is a common pathway for cytokine release in Lepidium meyenii (118), Panax (25), Lycium barbarum (119), and Achyranthes bidentata (67).
A crucial part of the early immune response, MR is a member of the C-type lectin receptor family and is expressed on the surface of macrophages. Due to the effect of ligands and co-receptors, MR is extensively implicated in a range of inflammatory reactions (120). The target receptor for Aloe vera polysaccharides may be the MR receptor of macrophages, which may bind to the MR of macrophages and lead to immune activation (55).
As pattern recognition receptors, SR work in tandem with other PRRs to identify and eradicate microorganisms in reaction to the production of cytokines. It has been shown that binding of SR and CR3 to their ligands activates phospholipase C (PLC), and the products of PLC cleavage activate protein kinase C (PKC) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), leading to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and NF-κB, which ultimately triggers gene transcription events (121). MARCO is a member of the class A scavenger receptor (SR-A) family, which is widely expressed in TAMs (35). The findings suggest that MARCO(+) TAMs is negatively associated with prognosis in some liver, lung and breast cancer cases (122–124). Eisinger et al. applied MARCO-targeting antibodies, which changed inhibitory TAM into pro-inflammatory TAMs (125). On the other hand, SR-mediated plant polysaccharides with various conformations, including α and β conformations, increase phagocytosis by macrophages and induce dendritic cell maturation. If we can find the targeting relationship between plant polysaccharides and MARCO receptors in TAMs, it provides new ideas for macrophage immunotherapy.
The primary β2 integrin that is known to aid in innate immune cells’ detection of fungi is called CR3. The two ligand binding sites on CR3, the I domain and the lectin-like domain, bind to β-glucan and protein ligands, respectively (126). Most polysaccharides coupled to CR3 receptors have a β-configuration in their shape, thus stimulating polysaccharides improve phagocytosis of phagocytes, boost cytokine release, and fortify the immune system (127). Expression of CD14 in macrophages leads to pro- or anti-inflammatory responses (128). CD14 was also shown to be involved in the response to plant polysaccharides. Han et al. isolated a fructan from the radix of Platycodon grandiflorum and demonstrated that pretreating peritoneal macrophages with anti-CD14 or CD11b antibodies significantly reduced macrophage NO induced by tangerine polysaccharides, indicating that these surface molecules may be potential targets for polysaccharides (73). Dectin-1 is another pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that can be seen in macrophages and dendritic cells. Studies have reported that activation of Dectin-1 leads to cytokine release and ROS generation (129). In addition, Dectin-1, together with TLR2 and TLR4, can synergize to promote TNF-α production by human macrophages (130).
3.2.4 Signaling pathways
With the in-depth study of the immunomodulatory mechanisms of plant polysaccharides, attention has shifted from the extracellular to the intracellular level in the search for new targets (131). Once activated macrophage receptors can initiate a series of signaling pathways that lead to activation of transcription and production of associated cytokines that promote macrophage polarization (55, 78, 93, 132). Macrophage differentiation is influenced by a number of variables, including some microbial products and inflammatory cytokines. Factors that stimulate M1-type macrophages include NF-κB, MAPKs, activator protein 1 (AP-1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 5, and serine/threonine kinase (AKT) 2, whereas factors that stimulate M2-type macrophages include STAT6, IRF4, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ, and AKT1 (20). Figure 3 shows the action pathway of plant polysaccharides.
Figure 3. Signal transduction pathways associated with polysaccharide immunomodulation in macrophage activation. Phytopolysaccharides can activate macrophages through different receptor kinks, such as TLR4, TLR2, CR3, MR, SR, and Dectin-1. All of these receptors can function independently, and in certain cases, they may combine together to form complexes in signaling. (Created with BioRender.com).
3.2.4.1 Toll-like receptor signaling pathway
Macrophages rely significantly on TLRs as PRRs to initiate immune responses. Notably, TLR2 and TLR4 play pivotal roles in recognizing signals associated with polysaccharides, effectively transmitting them to intracellular signaling pathways (133). Many studies have shown that plant polysaccharides can bind to TLR2 and TLR4, activate downstream signaling pathways, and exert immunomodulatory effects (69). However, TLR2 and TLR4 have different affinities for polysaccharides. Jeon et al. reported that radish polysaccharides-mediated immunomodulatory activity in RAW264.7 cells requires two major receptors, TLR2 and TLR4. The immunological response can be facilitated by both TLR4 and TLR2 signaling, which are both activated by radish polysaccharides signaling; however, the affinity of TLR4 for radish polysaccharides is much higher than that of TLR2 (60). The experiment conducted by Qu et al. demonstrated that Abrus cantoniensis polysaccharides (ACP) had a greater impact on TLR4 expression than TLR2, suggesting that TLR4 is the major pattern recognition receptor for ACP in macrophages (62). TLR4 expressed by macrophages is essentially involved in many natural plant polysaccharide-induced events. TLR4 signaling can be regulated through MyD88-dependent or MyD88-independent pathways (134). Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), a key downstream signaling ligand in the TLR4 signaling pathway, drives NF-κB into the nucleus, activates related genes transcription, enhances inducible nitric oxide synthase, NO, and cytokines, and activates T cells for immune responses (135). The polysaccharide extracted from the dried rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz is a homogeneous polysaccharide composed of Glc, which is mainly connected by β-D-1→3 and β-D-1→3.6 It has a simple structure and small molecular weight. Liu et al. found that it stimulated the immune-regulatory function of the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway (136). Similarly, Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide, a dried root extract of Achyranthes bidentata Blume, as a fructan, activates TLR4 signaling through the MyD88-dependent pathway (67).
3.2.4.2 MAPK signaling pathway
The MAPK family includes three key kinases: p38, JNK, and ERK. These kinases are involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, and are important for cell development. Phosphorylation of particular substrates is carried out by each subclass through its own distinct activation pathway (137). The primary role of p38 is to cause cell apoptosis and initiate the synthesis of pro-inflammatory substances such as TNF-α and COX-2 (138). ERK is mainly involved in macrophage growth and differentiation (139). Multiple intracellular signaling pathways induced by plant polysaccharides ultimately converge on the MAPK pathway, which regulates macrophage NO and cytokine production and secretion (140). Examples include Black Radish polysaccharides (40), Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (119), Lotus leaves polysaccharides (57), and Aloe vera polysaccharides (141).
3.2.4.3 NF-κB signaling pathway
The NF-κB transcription factor pathway holds a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammatory diseases and immune responses (142). NF-κB is particularly instrumental in orchestrating immunological responses and governing the polarization of M1 macrophages. The target genes under the influence of NF-κB encompass IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and TNF-α. It has been demonstrated that inhibiting IKKβ in tumor-associated macrophages leads to increased expression of the antitumor cytokine IL-12 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, facilitating the transition of macrophage phenotype from M2 to M1 (143). Plant extracts and isolated compounds from numerous families directly target the NF-κB signaling cascade at a molecular level. Examples of plant polysaccharides that activate the NF-κB signaling pathway and foster M1 macrophage polarization are listed below: Crocus sativus polysaccharide (144), and Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharides (145).
3.2.4.4 JAK/STAT signaling pathways
The Janus kinase (JAK)-signal converter and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway (JAK/STAT) is activated by cytokines. Following STAT1-initiated transcription of M1 macrophage-typical genes, pro-inflammatory cytokines are released (146). The transcription factor STAT3, on the other hand, is involved in both development and tissue homeostasis. It has been found in multiple investigations that STAT3 activation can convert macrophages into M2-type (147, 148). A comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms of macrophage polarization was carried out by Guo et al., who discovered that BRP regulates TAMs polarization via the STAT signaling pathway. Specifically, BRP controls M1 and M2 polarization by increasing STAT1 activation and decreasing STAT3 and STAT6 activation (149). Li et al. found that IAPS-2 polysaccharide has antitumor effects by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3 in RAW 264.7 cells and S180 tumor tissues, while significantly increasing the phosphorylation of STAT1 (78).
Together, these mechanisms contribute to the regulation of macrophage polarization by natural plant-derived polysaccharides. It should be mentioned that the exact processes may differ based on the polysaccharide and the cellular environment. The signaling pathways and their molecular interactions by which natural plant-derived polysaccharides regulate macrophage polarization need to be further investigated.
4 Clinical translation and application
The development of natural products has been an important direction in antitumor drug discovery and research. This paper reviews some plant-derived crude and pure polysaccharides with clinical applications or ongoing clinical trials, aiming to provide new insights into anticancer immunotherapy. The clinical applications of four natural plant polysaccharides are summarized primarily in Table 2.
Table 2. A review of clinical studies on plant polysaccharides.
4.1 Astragalus polysaccharide
Preclinical studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the antitumor effects of APS (92, 150). The anti-tumor effects of APS mainly include three aspects: first, they can improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs; second, they inhibit tumor cell proliferation and promote apoptosis; and third, they play an anti-tumor role through immune mechanisms (151).
APS can induce to overcome the inhibition of cyclophosphamide, promote the proliferation of lymphocytes, increase the serum antibody gradient, and enhance the ability of vaccine antigens thus widely used in clinics (42). Kong et al. reviewed the clinical trials and laboratory studies of APS and evaluated the potential feasibility of APS for use in combination with immunotherapy in the treatment of tumors (150). They noticed that APS can regulate immune cells, such as macrophages and NK cells, through cytokines and signaling pathways. Additionally, it is involved in the immune checkpoint inhibitor signaling pathway. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that can activate and multiply tumor-specific T cells in TME include PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is used as a prognostic indicator in immunotherapy-treated cancer patients. Recent research indicates that patients with NSCLC who have elevated NLR are more likely to have side effects and have lower survival rates (152, 153). PG2, a polysaccharide extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, as a prescription drug reduces the index NLR in patients with advanced lung cancer treated with a combination of ICIs (82). This finding suggests that APS could be used in combination with immunotherapy to treat tumors (150).
Guo et al. conducted a clinical trial with 136 patients to examine the efficacy and safety of administering APS along with vinorelbine and cisplatin (VC) for advanced NSCLC. The results demonstrated that compared to patients treated with VC alone, APS combined with VC treatment led to a better quality of survival (154). In a study performed by Hsieh et al., the effect of PG2 injection on concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT)-related adverse Events (AEs) and patient adherence to treatment were investigated. The results showed that PG2 has a safety profile and has the potential to ameliorate the impact of AEs in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) under CCRT (83). In addition to enhancing chemotherapy’s effectiveness against NSCLC and HNSCC, APs have shown equal effectiveness in preclinical investigations against nasopharyngeal cancers (84), gastric (85), and ovarian malignancies respectively [132,140].
4.2 Belapectin
Proteins known as lectins bind carbohydrates and are members of the non-integrin β-galactoside-binding lectin family 6. Galactose lectin is an intracellular protein localized mainly in the cytoplasm and nucleus (155). Previous research has demonstrated that galectins have a significant role in the pathophysiology of cancer, fibrosis, and inflammation (156, 157). Galactose lectin-3 (Gal-3) is the most prominent galactose lectin secreted in disease states. Gal-3: this protein increases M2 polarization and macrophage infiltration, inhibits TCR signaling, and triggers T cell death to cause tumor-induced immunosuppression (158). Gal-3 is also upregulated by a number of cancers, and this is linked to a bad prognosis (159, 160). Several natural polysaccharides, Belapectin (GR-MD-02), Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP, PectaSol-C), and Davanat (GM-CT-01), are carbohydrate inhibitors of galactoglucan lectins (88, 161, 162). Of these, GR-MD-02 is currently being actively conducted and evaluated in various stages of clinical trials (163–165).
TCR-mediated signaling is essential for increasing effector T-cell responses to treatment with agonist anti-ox40 monoclonal antibody (aOX40) to maintain antitumor immunity (166). Sturgill et al. validated that belapectin synergizes with an agonist anti-OX40 antibody (aOX40) to promote tumor regression and improve survival by using hormonal (MCA-205 sarcoma, 4T1 breast cancer, TRAMP-C1 prostate adenocarcinoma) mice (167). Additionally, PD-1/PD-L1 involvement and overexpression of Gal-3 are key mechanisms of tumor-induced immunosuppression that contribute to immunotherapy resistance (168, 169). The researchers assessed the role of immunization in patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by combining GR-MD-02) with anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab) (88). The results of the phase I clinical trial found that the combination therapy of beraplanin + pembrolizumab was active against MM and HNSCC, and that dual blockade of PD-L1 and Gal-3 enhanced anti-tumor immunity by enhancing CD8+ T-cells, reducing MDSCs, and repolarizing M2→M1 macrophages (88).
4.3 Other polysaccharides
In a prospective study conducted by Melchart et al., EPS-EPO VIIa, a polysaccharide component isolated from Echinacea purpurea herb was shown to attenuate the adverse effects of chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer, but the exact mechanism remains to be investigated (87). Pectin polysaccharides rich in RG-I structure from bell peppers and carrots were proposed by Mckay et al. (86). Its ability to enhance innate immune responsiveness has been demonstrated in a series of preclinical and clinical studies to help boost immunity against infections.
In conclusion, combining chemotherapy with biological response modifiers offers a novel strategy for counteracting chemotherapy’s immunosuppressive effects; however, there are still obstacles to overcome in the clinical translation of plant polysaccharides, which are naturally occurring biological response modifiers. One of the biggest problems with clinical research is the scarcity of pure chemicals and well described extracts; therefore, many more defined extracts of active compounds will be needed for future clinical trials. Second, there has to be research into both clinical and experimental settings to establish whether polysaccharides increase cancer risk. Given the toxicity of many plant derivatives, it is important to choose the safest dosage of medication and take precautions to reduce the likelihood of adverse effects.
5 Discussion
In addition to conventional approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy, immunotherapy has emerged as a cornerstone in standard cancer care. Macrophages, key components of immune effector cells, exert either pro- or anti-tumor effects by modulating their polarization in response to the tumor microenvironment. This notable plasticity presents opportunities for the depletion and repolarization of TAMs. Plant-derived polysaccharide molecules, originating from sources such as plants, algae, and fungi, are identified as potent immunomodulators in this review. These compounds activate innate immune responses in macrophages, effectively suppressing malignancies. Furthermore, plant polysaccharides have demonstrated the ability to enhance radiation sensitization, augment the efficacy of vaccinations, and serve as effective adjuvants. A large number of studies have demonstrated the ability of natural plant polysaccharides in cancer prevention and treatment. However, elucidating the direct targets and specific molecular mechanisms of natural plant polysaccharides still presents difficulties and challenges. First, the relationship between the structure and pharmacological activity of polysaccharides is unclear, and thus the study of immunomodulatory and anticancer mechanisms also poses challenges. In view of this, future research efforts may focus on identifying the optimal polysaccharide isolation technique, investigating the relationship between its chemical structure and biological activity, and exploring its role in cancer therapy. Secondly, the low bioavailability of natural polysaccharides is also a problem. Studies have shown that polysaccharides after oral administration are difficult to cross the biological barrier to act directly. Nanoparticles, characterized by favorable water solubility, stability, and biocompatibility, present a viable solution. Utilizing nanomaterials can enhance the bioavailability of polysaccharides, extending the effective duration of drugs within the body and mitigating potential side effects. In general, polysaccharides are not suitable as first-line medications in anti-cancer therapy, but only applied as adjuvant therapy. This is due to the unclear understanding of the mechanisms and targets underlying their natural pharmacological anti-tumor effects, thereby constraining their broader clinical applications.
In summary, this review provides a thorough analysis of the regulatory effects and mechanisms of plant polysaccharides on TAMs. Additionally, an analysis of potential opportunities for clinical translation of plant polysaccharides as immune adjuvants is presented. Further research on polysaccharides will lead to more efficient production and use of polysaccharide adjuvants.
Author contributions
JW: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. YD: Validation, Investigation, Writing – review & editing. NZ: Investigation, Validation, Writing – original draft. ZW: Investigation, Supervision, Validation, Writing – original draft. XT: Investigation, Validation, Writing – original draft. TY: Investigation, Validation, Writing – original draft. XJ: Formal analysis, Supervision, Writing – review & editing. SJ: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Resources, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 82074360), Project of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. GZY-KJS-SD-2023-026), Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (grant no. ZR2022MH319 and ZR2022LZY027), and Young Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province (grant no. tsqn201909200).
Acknowledgments
Thanks to the editors and reviewers for their hard work and important comments. Thanks to BioRender.com for the drawing material.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s note
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Keywords: polysaccharide, tumor microenvironment, macrophage, polarization, anticancer immunotherapy
Citation: Wei J, Dai Y, Zhang N, Wang Z, Tian X, Yan T, Jin X and Jiang S (2024) Natural plant-derived polysaccharides targeting macrophage polarization: a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Front. Immunol. 15:1408377. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1408377
Received: 28 March 2024; Accepted: 27 August 2024;
Published: 16 September 2024.
Edited by:
Yu Kato, Eisai Co. Ltd, JapanReviewed by:
Alejandra Gomez-Cadena, University of Geneva, SwitzerlandShoib Sarwar Siddiqui, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Copyright © 2024 Wei, Dai, Zhang, Wang, Tian, Yan, Jin and Jiang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Xiaohan Jin, jinxiaohan@163.com; Shulong Jiang, jnsljiang@163.com