Polysaccharides Isolated from Açaí Fruit Induce Innate Immune Responses

Abstract

The Açaí (Acai) fruit is a popular nutritional supplement that purportedly enhances immune system function. These anecdotal claims are supported by limited studies describing immune responses to the Acai polyphenol fraction. Previously, we characterized γδ T cell responses to both polyphenol and polysaccharide fractions from several plant-derived nutritional supplements. Similar polyphenol and polysaccharide fractions are found in Acai fruit. Thus, we hypothesized that one or both of these fractions could activate γδ T cells. Contrary to previous reports, we did not identify agonist activity in the polyphenol fraction; however, the Acai polysaccharide fraction induced robust γδ T cell stimulatory activity in human, mouse, and bovine PBMC cultures. To characterize the immune response to Acai polysaccharides, we fractionated the crude polysaccharide preparation and tested these fractions for activity in human PBMC cultures. The largest Acai polysaccharides were the most active in vitro as indicated by activation of myeloid and γδ T cells. When delivered in vivo, Acai polysaccharide induced myeloid cell recruitment and IL-12 production. These results define innate immune responses induced by the polysaccharide component of Acai and have implications for the treatment of asthma and infectious disease.

Defining the nature of human γδ T cells: a biographical sketch of the highly empathetic

“…cd T cells seem particularly responsive to certain nutrient properties found in various food and supplement products, especially those with high antioxidant values (Table 4). 69,[118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127] In a double-blind placebocontrolled randomized control trial, capsules containing fruit and vegetable concentrate (containing, among other compounds, standardized levels of b-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate and calcium) were given to law school students, taken as a representative of young adults living with modern day stresses, over a period of 11 weeks. 128 cd T cells were found to be specifically increased (by about 30%; no change in circulating ab T cells) in parallel to an increase in the antioxidant capacity of the study subjects, and in vitro analyses showed that this effect was associated with a more tempered inflammatory response upon phorbal myristate acetate stimulation.…”

“…For example, treating renal carcinoma cells subjected to oxidative stress with the strong antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, blunted the inflammatory response and activation of Vc9Vd2 T cells by downregulating the ectopic expression of the stress-induced molecule, MSH2. 79 Therefore, some of these immunomodulatory bioactive compounds, which include diverse items like procyanidins from unripe apple peels 129 and polysaccharide components of the Acai berry, 119 their noted influence on cd T cells may be through the modulation of the type of stress signals displayed by cells that mobilize their activity. In contrast, other compounds, such as the aforementioned alkylamines (e.g.…”

“…One strategy that cd T cells use to fulfill the complex nature of their task is to creatively merge the instincts of Heat-treated mistletoe 125 Plant tannins; procyanidins (e.g. from unripe apple peels) 121,122,129 Polysaccharides from Acai berry and Yamoa 119,120 Concord grape juice and fruit/vegetable concentrate 126,128 Aged garlic 124 Biography of human cd T cells S Kalyan and D Kabelitz 26 the innate with the diversity of the adaptive immune systems. Thus, some of the antigens that they recognize are evolutionarily shared by the self and non-self and their subsequent response is contextually guided by the level of distress that they sense from within-often in the context of the contingent presence of other damage-associated molecular patterns.…”

The Berry Fruit Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart): Bringing Health Benefits and Exotism to the Modern Table

“…increased longevity in flies submitted to a high Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) diet or deficient in enzymatic anti-oxidants such Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1); dermatological care against disorders such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis; cosmetic care); [15][16][17][18][19] (vi) Infections (e.g. through stimulation of innate immune response); 29,30 (vii) Pain (e.g. reduction of C-Reactive Protein (C-RP) in humans, albeit not statistical significant);…”

Allergy-Protective Arabinogalactan Modulates Human Dendritic Cells via C-Type Lectins and Inhibition of NF-κB

“…Further sugars, such as rhamnose, fucose, and mannose, occur to a lesser extent. Different AG preparations are already in use in several traditional and natural medical products worldwide and are subject to studies due to their immune-modulating properties (15)(16)(17).…”