Fibroblastic reticular cells and type 3 innate lymphoid cells in Peyer’s patches: Target cell candidates for inulooligosaccharides in hochuekkito formula containing Atractylodis rhizoma

Abstract

Aim Inulooligosaccharides in a Kampo formula, hochuekkito, have been shown to participate in the regulation of the pulmonary immune system. Difference in chain length distribution of the oligosaccharides strongly affects their immunopharmacological activities. This phenomenon cannot be explained by bifidogenic activity and/or short‐chain fatty acids produced by intestinal microflora from the oligosaccharides. Effects of intermediate‐size inulooligosaccharides, which have a similar chain length distribution as the oligosaccharides obtained from hochuekkito containing Atractylodis rhizoma, were analyzed on immunocompetent cells in Peyer’s patches. Methods Effect of intermediate‐size inulooligosaccharide preparation (degree of polymerization (d.p.) 3–15) on mRNA expression of genes of markers and functional molecules of stromal cells and type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in Peyer’s patches was analyzed. Results Oral administration of intermediate‐size inulooligosaccharide preparation significantly up‐regulated expression of mRNAs of genes of not only marker molecules of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) and ILC3 but also immunological factors for positive and negative regulatory functions of FRC in addition to genes of auto‐immune regulator (AIRE), DEAF‐1 transcription factor, and some AIRE‐dependent tissue‐related antigens (TRA). Conclusion FRC and ILC3 are suggested to be target cell candidates in Peyer’s patches for inulooligosaccharides in hochuekkito formula containing Atractylodis rhizoma.

Elucidation of improving effects of a traditional Japanese herbal formula, hochuekkito, comprising Atractylodis rhizoma, on T‐cell‐mediated intestinal mucositis in mice

“…The present study indicated that the intermediatesize inulo-oligosaccharides did not reduce small intestinal mucosal inflammation directly; however, qPCR analysis suggested that administration of the oligosaccharide fraction suppressed the recruitment of cytotoxic CD8 lymphocytes, which induced the apoptosis of target cells. Inulo-oligosaccharides in AtR are incorporated into Peyer's patches, and some effector T lymphocytes are induced by the action of the oligosaccharides on fibroblastic reticular cells in the patches [25]. Furthermore, part of the induced T lymphocytes is thought to recruit to the lamina propria of the small intestine to produce an immunological microenvironment as observed in the present study.…”