Research progress on the mechanisms underlying poultry immune regulation by plant polysaccharides

Abstract

With the rapid development of poultry industry and the highly intensive production management, there are an increasing number of stress factors in poultry production. Excessive stress will affect their growth and development, immune function, and induce immunosuppression, susceptibility to a variety of diseases, and even death. In recent years, increasing interest has focused on natural components extracted from plants, among which plant polysaccharides have been highlighted because of their various biological activities. Plant polysaccharides are natural immunomodulators that can promote the growth of immune organs, activate immune cells and the complement system, and release cytokines. As a green feed additive, plant polysaccharides can not only relieve stress and enhance the immunity and disease resistance of poultry, but also regulate the balance of intestinal microorganisms and effectively alleviate all kinds of stress faced by poultry. This paper reviews the immunomodulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of different plant polysaccharides (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz polysaccharide, Astragalus polysaccharides, Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharide, and alfalfa polysaccharide) in poultry. Current research results reveal that plant polysaccharides have potential uses as therapeutic agents for poultry immune abnormalities and related diseases.

Modulation of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and intestinal flora in broiler by deep eutectic solvent extracted polysaccharides of Acanthopanax senticosus

“…In modern breeding systems, broilers are often affected by various external factors such as disease, nutrition, and environment, resulting in growth disorders, poor health, and even high mortality due to poorly developed intestinal function and immature immunity (41). Polysaccharides are a group of powerful natural immunomodulation that can stimulate the growth of immune organs, stimulate immune cells, activate the complementsystem and liberate cytokines (5,(42)(43)(44)(45). Polysaccharides are used as green feed additives to enhance poultry immunity and disease resistance and regulate the balance of gut microorganisms.…”

“…Impaired immunity is a transient or chronic disruption of the immune system caused by a variety of factors, including the environment, toxins, and chemicals, with infectious diseases having a significant impact on the poultry industry. Infectious Bursal Disease, Salmonella, Avian Influenza, Newcastle Disease, and mixed infections of several diseases continue to plague the poultry industry ( 1 – 5 ). These immunosuppressive viruses increase broilers' morbidity and mortality and cause farmers significant economic losses.…”

Structural characterization and adjuvant action of Paulownia tomentosa flower polysaccharide on the immune responses to classical swine fever vaccine in mice

“…Polysaccharides isolated from various kinds of Chinese herbal medicines have gradually been proven to have lower side effects and various pharmacological actions, such as antioxidant, antiviral, antitumor and immunomodulator over the past few decades ( 17 , 26 ). Therefore, the isolation, characterization, and pharmacological mechanism elucidation of polysaccharides from Chinese herbal medicines have become a hot research topic.…”

UHPLC-MS-Based Metabolomics Reveal the Potential Mechanism of Armillaria mellea Acid Polysaccharide in and Its Effects on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

“…Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effects of AMPA in immunosuppressed mice were described and the effects that occur through the regulation of immune organs and cytokines were identified. As an effective immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic agent, CTX can disrupt the DNA structure, interfere with the proliferation and differentiation of macrophages, kill immune cells, and weaken the body's immune system [25]. CTX exhibits extensive toxicity; therefore, the CTX-induced immunosuppression model is most commonly used in the immune stimulation experiments [26].…”