Galacto-oligosaccharides modified whey protein isolate ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression

The effect of whey protein isolate (WPI)- galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)/fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) conjugates on RAW264.7 cells, and further the effect of WPI-GOS conjugates on CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice were investigated. Compared to WPI-FOS conjugates, WPI-GOS conjugates exhibited deeper glycation extent, more pronounced structural unfolding and helix-destabilizing, and obviously improved functional indicators of RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, WPI-GOS conjugates also repaired immune organ and intestinal barrier and increased IL-1β and IFN-γ levels in immunosuppressed mice. The alteration of gut microbiota induced by WPI-GOS conjugates changed the serum metabolites, causing the activation of NFκB pathway, which strengthens the immune system. The activation of NFκB pathway maybe associated with the mTOR signal pathway and ABC transporters. However, the precise mechanisms by which NFκB pathway interacts with mTOR signal pathway and ABC transporters to modulate the immune response need for further research.