Cellucalst enzyme-assisted extraction of Sargassum horneri enhances the immunomodulation by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB pathway in murine splenocytes with or without Concanavalin A

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) is an edible species of large brown algae inhabiting along the coasts of northeastern Asia. The study focuses on the impact of celluclast enzyme extract of S. hoeneri (SHC) on various immune cell populations in splenocytes including granulocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T lymphocytes. SHC alone increased the population of granulocytes and macrophages and the secretion of M1 macrophage-derived cytokines (TNF-α, IL-22), and M2 macrophage-derived cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). Interestingly, however, SHC suppressed the concanavalin A (Con A)-expanded populations of macrophages, dendritic cells, granulocytes, T and B cells, and Con A-promoted secretion of M1-macrophage derived cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-22) and M2-macrophage derived cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, TGF-β). SHC further restrained the Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell responses through attenuating the expression of respective transcription factors T-bet, Gata3, and Rorγt. The anti-inflammatory property of SHC is highlighted through its influence on cytokine production, particularly in the NF-κB pathway, and the attenuation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. The results reveal that SHC acts as both an immunostimulator and an inhibitor of hyperimmune reactions, showcasing its potential therapeutic applications in conditions involving dysregulated immune responses such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders. This positions SHC as a promising candidate for the development of functional ingredients with diverse applications encompassing the realms of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.