Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of intracellular polysaccharide from the mycelium of Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213

Two intracellular polysaccharide fractions (IPS1 and IPS2) were obtained from the mycelium of Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213, and the structures were conducted. Results showed that they were homogenous with the average molecular weight of 2.40 × 10 6 Da and 6.79 × 10 5 Da. Two fractions were composed of mannose, glucose and galactose with molar ratios of 1.35: 6.93: 1.0 and 2.04: 1.0: 1.87, respectively. The backbone of IPS1 was → 4)-α-D-Glc p (1 → and → 3,4)-α-D-Man p (1 → residues with a side chain consisted of T-α-D-Gal p . IPS2 was consisted of → 4)-α-D-Glc p -(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Man p -(1 → and → 2,6)-α-D-Man p -(1 → residues and the branches were also consisted of T-α-D-Gal p . In addition, the scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope images presented different features of IPS1 and IPS2, respectively. Furthermore, two fractions exhibited better immunomodulatory effects. They could markedly promote the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells and enhance phagocytosis, nitric oxide release and cytokines production. These results indicated that IPS1 and IPS2 had potential to enhance immune responses.