Search

Understanding how nanoparticles’ properties influence their cellular interactions is a bottleneck for improving the design of carriers. Macrophage polarization governs their active role in solving infections or tissue repair. To unravel the effect of carbohydrate-targeting mannose receptors on the macrophage surface, drug-free fucoidan/chitosan nanoparticles were functionalized using mannose (M) and mannan (Mn). Polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles were obtained upon chitosan self-assembly using fucoidan. The functionalized nanoparticles were characterized in terms of their physicochemical characteristics, chemical profile, and carbohydrate orientation. The nanoparticles varied in size from 200 to 400 nm, were monodisperse, and had a stable negative zeta potential with a low aggregation tendency. The nonfunctionalized and functionalized nanoparticles retained their properties for up to 12 weeks. Cell viability and internalization studies were performed for all the designed nanoparticles in the THP-1 monocytes and THP-1-differentiated macrophages. The expression of the mannose receptor was verified in both immune cells. The carbohydrate-functionalized nanoparticles led to their activation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Both M- and Mn-coated nanoparticles modulate macrophages toward an M1-polarized state. These findings demonstrate the tailoring of these nanoplatforms to interact and alter the macrophage phenotype in vitro and represent their therapeutic potential either alone or in combination with a loaded drug for future studies.

Plant cell wall biosynthesis is a complex process that requires proteins and enzymes from glycan synthesis to wall assembly. We show that disruption of At3g50120 (DUF247-1), a member of the DUF247 multigene family containing 28 genes in Arabidopsis, results in alterations to the structure and composition of cell wall polysaccharides and reduced growth and plant size. An ELISA using cell wall antibodies shows that the mutants also exhibit ~50% reductions in xyloglucan (XyG), glucuronoxylan (GX) and heteromannan (HM) epitopes in the NaOH fraction and ~50% increases in homogalacturonan (HG) epitopes in the CDTA fraction. Furthermore, the polymer sizes of XyGs and GXs are reduced with concomitant increases in short-chain polymers, while those of HGs and mHGs are slightly increased. Complementation using 35S:DUF247-1 partially recovers the XyG and HG content, but not those of GX and HM, suggesting that DUF247-1 is more closely associated with XyGs and HGs. DUF247-1 is expressed throughout Arabidopsis, particularly in vascular and developing tissues, and its disruption affects the expression of other gene members, indicating a regulatory control role within the gene family. Our results demonstrate that DUF247-1 is required for normal cell wall composition and structure and Arabidopsis growth.

Background Except for cryptococcosis, fungal infection of the central nervous system (FI-CNS) is a rare but severe complication. Clinical and radiological signs are non-specific, and the value of conventional mycological diagnosis is very low. This study aimed to assess the value of β1,3-D-glucan (BDG) detection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of non-neonatal non-cryptococcosis patients. Methods Cases associated with BDG assay in the CSF performed in 3 French University Hospitals over 5 years were included. Clinical, radiological, and mycological results were used to classify the episodes as proven/highly probable, probable, excluded, and unclassified FI-CNS. Sensitivity and specificity were compared to that calculated from an exhaustive review of the literature. Results In total, 228 episodes consisting of 4, 7, 177, and 40 proven/highly probable, probable, excluded, and unclassified FI-CNS, respectively, were analysed. The sensitivity of BDG assay in CSF to diagnose proven/highly probable/probable FI-CNS ranged from 72.7% [95% confidence interval {CI}: 43.4%‒90.2%] to 100% [95% CI: 51%‒100%] in our study and was 82% in the literature. For the first time, specificity could be calculated over a large panel of pertinent controls and was found at 81.8% [95% CI: 75.3%‒86.8%]. Bacterial neurologic infections were associated with several false positive results Conclusions Despite its sub-optimal performance, BDG assay in the CSF should be added to the diagnostic armamentarium for FI-CNS.

Background The process of weaning in piglets is often associated with an increased inflammation response in the intestine and compromised intestinal integrity and morphology, favoring a delay in intestinal maturation and a predisposal to diseases. Research has shown the potential of different nutritional strategies to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with the main goal to manipulate health and performance of pigs. Promising examples of nutritional strategies are fungal fermented products and their derivatives which are described to contain several compounds that may play a role in gastrointestinal health and pathogenic bacteria control. Products from Agaricus subrufescens mushroom are reported to contain prophylactic and therapeutic properties including antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Results This study analysed the post-weaning immune status in intestinal tissue and blood of piglets, with the objective to evaluate the gastrointestinal health and immune modulation response induced by a blend of mannan-rich hydrolyzed copra meal and fermented rye with A. subrufescens. Intestinal histomorphology demonstrated a villus height reduction in jejunum and increase in ileum on day 15, while increased villous height in jejunum and ileum on day 30. The results showed that in post-weaning piglets, the feed additive stimulates an immunomodulation effect most evident at 15 days post-weaning, with significant lower expression of cytokines Interferon (IFN) γ, Interleukin (IL) 1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) β in jejunum, accompanied with an increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cytokine gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p35 (IL-12α), IL-12p40 (IL-12β), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) α, IFN-α, and TGF-β. In piglets fed the feed additive, the quantity of Immunoglobulin (Ig) A producing cells in jejunum, ileum was reduced on day 15 and 30 post-weaning, and on day 30 and 45 post-weaning in colon tissue. Natural Killer (NK) cells count in blood were increased on day 15 post-weaning in the piglets fed the feed additive. Conclusion This study implies the potential of the blend including mannan-rich hydrolyzed copra meal and fermented rye with A. subrufescens on immune modulation in the intestine of post-weaning piglets.

Ivory nut seeds have been traditionally exploited in Central and South America for obtaining vegetable ivory. The residues from this industry are susceptible to valorization as a source of fatty acids (by organic extraction) and mannans (by alkaline dissolution and regeneration). Nonetheless, cellulose may also be recovered at the end of this fractionation process by acid hydrolysis and functionalization, with associated advantages over other lignocellulosic sources due to the absence of lignin in the endospermic tissue. In this work, various experimental parameters (sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, and hydrolysis time) were investigated to optimize the processing conditions for preparing stable nanocellulose suspensions after ultrasonication. The most stable nanocellulose gel (1 wt% solid content) was obtained after 4-h hydrolysis at 60 °C with 8 M H2SO4 and was characterized by using complementary tech-niques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), nano-fibril sulfation measurements, vibrational and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS 13C-NMR) spectroscopies, and thermal analysis. This nanocellulose hydrogel is susceptible to further utilization in various applications and fields, e.g., in agricul-ture for controlling the release of agrochemicals, in pharmaceutics for developing new dosage forms, and in the treatment of wastewater from the textile and paper industries.

Establishing the rapid and accurate diagnosis of sepsis is a key component to the improvement of clinical outcomes. The ability of analytical platforms to rapidly detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) in blood could provide a powerful host-independent biomarker of sepsis. A novel concept was investigated based on the idea that a pre-bound and fluorescent ligand could be released from lectins in contact with high-affinity ligands (such as PAMPs). To create fluorescent ligands with precise avidity, the kinetically followed TEMPO oxidation of yeast mannan and carbodiimide coupling were used. The chemical modifications led to decreases in avidity between mannan and human collectins, such as the mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and human surfactant protein D (SP-D), but not in porcine SP-D. Despite this effect, these fluorescent derivatives were captured by human lectins using highly concentrated solutions. The resulting fluorescent beads were exposed to different solutions, and the results showed that displacements occur in contact with higher affinity ligands, proving that two-stage competition processes can occur in collectin carbohydrate recognition mechanisms. Moreover, the fluorescence loss depends on the discrepancy between the respective avidities of the recognized ligand and the fluorescent mannan. Chemically modulated fluorescent ligands associated with a diversity of collectins may lead to the creation of diagnostic tools suitable for multiplex array assays and the identification of high-avidity ligands.

Zika virus (ZIKV) induces neurological and autoimmune complications such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Effective vaccines are necessary to prevent the ZIKV infection. E protein of ZIKV is responsible for virus attachment, entry, and fusion. The domain III of E protein (EDIII) contains the neutralizing epitopes and is ideal to act as an antigen for ZIKV vaccine. However, EDIII is poorly immunogenic. CRM197 is a carrier protein and can activate T helper cells for EDIII. Mannan is a ligand of TLR-4 or TLR-2. Eight-arm PEG can link multiple EDIII molecules in one entity. In the present study, EDIII was covalently conjugated with CRM197, 8-arm PEG and mannan to improve the immunogenicity of EDIII. The conjugate (CRM-EDIII-PM) elicited high EDIII-specific antibody titers in the BALB/c mice. Th1-type cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2) and Th2-type cytokines (IL-5 and IL-10) were secreted at a marked level. Thus, CRM-EDIII-PM could stimulate potent humoral and cellular immune response to EDIII. The serum exposure of CRM-EDIII-PM to the immune system was prolonged. Moreover, CRM-EDIII-PM did not lead to apparent toxicity to the organs. Therefore, CRM-EDIII-PM was expected as a promising vaccine candidate for its ability to induce strong immune responses.

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE) is a severe intestinal disease in broilers which brings huge economic losses to poultry industry. Herein, the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BLCC1-0238 (B. amyloliquefaciens BLCC1-0238) alone or in combination with mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) on the SNE challenge model in broilers were comprehensively explored. A total of 360 broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups, including an SNE infection control (IC), an antibiotic pretreatment control (AC), a B. amyloliquefaciens BLCC1-0238 pretreatment (BP), and a B. amyloliquefaciens BLCC1-0238 + MOS pretreatment (BMP). The results showed that compared with the IC, three pretreatment groups significantly improved the growth performance, lowered the overall mortality, and reduced intestinal mucosal lesions in broilers. Additionally, the expression levels of claudin-3 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α in the BP and BMP groups and the levels of mucin-2 and mechanistic target of rapamycin in the BMP group were significantly upregulated compared with the IC. By contrast, the expression levels of interferon-γ, interleukin-10, and secretory immunoglobulin A in the BP and BMP groups were significantly downregulated. In conclusion, these findings show that B. amyloliquefaciens BLCC1-0238 in combination with MOS can exert synergetic effects by the interplay between them on improving growth performance and combating the SNE infection in broilers.

The objective of this present study was to investigate the potentiality of prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharides-MOS and fructo-oligosaccharides-FOS) in replacement of antibiotic growth promoter and their relationship with physico-chemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass traits of broiler chickens meat. Accordingly, 240 day-old broiler chicks of uniform body weight divided in 6 treatment groups with 5 replicate each (5 × 6 = 30) having 8 birds in each replicate. Six corn based dietary treatments were formulated viz. T1 (control diet), T2 (T1 + Bacitracin methylene di-salicylate @ 0.002%), T3 (T1 + 0.1% MOS), T4 (T1 + 0.2% MOS), T5 (T1 + 0.1% FOS), and T6 (T1 + 0.2% FOS). Significant (p 4 (0.2% MOS) group. The water holding capacity (WHC) and extract release volume (ERV) were increase (p p p 4 group. The standard plate count (SPC), staphylococcus and coliform counts were decreased (p 3 or T4 group. Thus, it can be concluded that mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) may be incorporated at 0.2% level in diet for improved physico-chemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens meat and it may be suitable replacer of antibiotic growth promoter.

Our previous study showed that ochratoxin A (OTA), one of the most common mycotoxins in feed, could induce immunosuppression with long-time exposure but immunostimulation with short-time exposure. However, limited studies for the control of OTA-induced two-way immune toxicity were carried out. This study explored the effects of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), a glucomannoprotein complex with immunoregulatory capability derived from the yeast cell wall, on OTA-induced immune toxicity and its underlying mechanisms. Surprisingly, the results showed that MOS significantly attenuated immunosuppression induced by long-time OTA treatment but did not provide protection against immunostimulation induced by short-time OTA treatment on porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), as demonstrated by the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and the capability of migration and phagocytosis. Further, MOS increased the OTA-inhibited autophagy level and the JNK phosphorylation level on PAMs with long-time OTA treatment. In addition, the inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA or the inhibition of JNK phosphorylation by SP600125 could partly block the protective effects of MOS on OTA-induced immunosuppression. Importantly, the inhibition of JNK phosphorylation down-regulated the MOS-promoted autophagy level. In conclusion, MOS could attenuate OTA-induced immunosuppression with short-time exposure on PAMs through activating JNK-mediated autophagy but had no significant effects on OTA-induced immunostimulation with short-time exposure. Our study provides new insights into the application of MOS as an immunoregulator against mycotoxin-induced immune toxicity.

Cell-wall polysaccharides are synthesized from nucleotide sugars by glycosyltransferases. However, in what way the level of nucleotide sugars affects the structure of the polysaccharides is not entirely clear. guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-mannose (GDP-Man) is one of the major nucleotide sugars in plants and serves as a substrate in the synthesis of mannan polysaccharides. GDP-Man is synthesized from mannose 1-phosphate and GTP by a GDP-Man pyrophosphorylase, VITAMIN C DEFECTIVE1 (VTC1), which is positively regulated by the interacting protein KONJAC1 (KJC1) in Arabidopsis. Since seed-coat mucilage can serve as a model of the plant cell wall, we examined the influence of vtc1 and kjc1 mutations on the synthesis of mucilage galactoglucomannan. Sugar composition analysis showed that mannose content in adherent mucilage of kjc1 and vtc1 mutants was only 42% and 11% of the wild-type, respectively, indicating a drastic decrease of galactoglucomannan. On the other hand, structural analysis based on specific oligosaccharides released by endo-β-1,4-mannanase indicated that galactoglucomannan had a patterned glucomannan backbone consisting of alternating residues of glucose and mannose and the frequency of α-galactosyl branches was also similar to the wild type structure. These results suggest that the structure of mucilage galactoglucomannan is mainly determined by properties of glycosyltransferases rather than the availability of nucleotide sugars.

The influence of dietary supplementation of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and haematological parameters were evaluated in Asian catfish (Clarias batrachus) juveniles. Triplicate groups of juveniles Asian catfish (21.23 ± 1.01 g) were fed twice per day at 3 % of body weight for 12 weeks, with 0 (control), 0.2, 0.4 or 0.6% MOS diets. Compared to control, those fed with MOS supplemented diets had significantly improved (P

Mannan polysaccharides (MPs), which contain substituted O-acetyl groups in their backbone, are abundant in the medicinal plant Dendrobium officinale. Acetyl groups can influence the physiological and biochemical properties of polysaccharides, which mainly accumulate in the stems of D. officinale at four developmental stages (S1-S4), showing an increasing trend and a link with water-soluble polysaccharides (WSPs) and mannose. The genes coding for enzymes that catalyze O-acetyl groups to MPs are unknown in D. officinale. The TRICHOME BIREFRINGENCE-LIKE (TBL) gene family contains TBL and DUF231 domains that can transfer O-acetyl groups to various polysaccharides. Based on an established D. officinale genome database, 37 DoTBL genes were identified. Analysis of cis-elements in the promoter region showed that DoTBL genes might respond to different hormones and abiotic stresses. Most of the genes with MeJA-responsive elements were upregulated or downregulated after treatment with MeJA. qRT-PCR results demonstrated that DoTBL genes had significantly higher expression levels in stems and leaves than in roots. Eight DoTBL genes showed relatively higher expression at S2-S4 stages, which showed a link with the content of WSPs and O-acetyl groups. DoTBL35 and its homologous gene DoTBL34 displayed the higher mRNA level in different organs and developmental stages, which might participate in the acetylation of MPs in D. officinale. The subcellular localization of DoTBL34 and DoTBL35 reveals that the endoplasmic reticulum may play an important role in the acetylation of MPs.

Bacteroidetes are thought to be specialized for the degradation of algae-derived ocean polysaccharides. Here, we show that Bacteroidetes are the predominant phylum in deep-sea sediments and possess more genes associated with polysaccharides degradation than other bacteria. We have isolated a novel Bacteroidetes species from the deep-sea sediments by using a special polysaccharide containing medium, Maribellus comscasis WC007, which possesses 82 putative polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) containing 374 glycoside hydrolases and 82 SusC/D pairs (Sus indicates starch utilization system; SusC represents the actual TonB-dependent transporter, and SusD is an associated substrate-binding outer membrane lipoprotein) together with 58 sigma/antisigma factors. Through an in-depth analysis of these PULs, strain WC007 can efficiently degrade numerous different polysaccharides including cellulose, pectin, fucoidan, mannan, xylan and starch, which are verified by growth assays. Notably, we find that cellulose has the most significant growth-promoting effect on M. comscasis WC007. And based on scanning electron microscope observation, transcriptomics and metabolomics, we further report on the underlying mechanisms of cellulose degradation and utilization, as well as potential contributions to the carbon cycle. Overall, our results suggest that Bacteroidetes may play key roles in the carbon cycle, likely due to their high abundance and prominent polysaccharide degradation capabilities.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin polysaccharide and nucleic acid (BCG-PSN), extracted from Mycobacterium bovis, is an immunoregulatory medicine commonly used in clinic. However, the structural characteristics and potential pharmacological efficacy of the polysaccharides from BCG-PSN remain unclear. Herein, two polysaccharides (BCG-1 and BCG-2) were purified and their structures were characterized. Monosaccharide composition analysis combined with methylation analysis and NMR data indicated that BCG-1 and BCG-2 were an α-D-(1→4)-mannan with (1→2)-linked branches, and an α-D-(1→4)-glucan with (1→6)-linked branches, respectively. Herein, the mannan from BCG-PSN was first reported. Bioactivity assays showed that BCG-1 and BCG-2 dose-dependently and potently increased the production of inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10), as well as their mRNA expressions in RAW264.7 cells; both have similar or stronger effects compared with BCG-PSN injection. These data suggest that BCG-1 and BCG-2 are very likely the active ingredients of BCG-PSN.

Cellulose and hemicellulose (xylans and mannans) are biopolymers present in plant biomass that can be bio-converted to ethanol. The challenge of hemicellulose fraction utilization for this process is its heterogeneous polymeric nature and low fermentability, resulting in wastage. However, this fraction contains mannan polysaccharides which can be converted using appropriate pretreatments before fermentation. This work was designed to produce bioethanol from pretreated mannan substrates that are abundant in our local environment. Mannan substrates palm kernel cake (PKC) and copra meal (CM) were pretreated with alkali, autohydrolysis and acid, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis using the mannan-degrading enzymes (MDES) at 10% (v/w) optimum enzyme loading. The hydrolysates were fermented to ethanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae SCPW17 and results compared with theoretical values. Autohydrolysis gave the highest reducing sugar concentrations of 0.68±0.02 g/L (PKC) and 0.64±0.02 g/L (CM). Hydrolysis of substrates with a combination of MDEs gave the highest sugar yield of 81.7±1.36% (PKC) and 88.5±0.53% (CM). Ethanol concentrations of 4.1±0.032 and 4.9±0.094 g/L were produced within 36–48 h of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of PKC and CM, respectively. Highest ethanol yield (g/g) of 0.45±0.005 (PKC) and 0.47±0.02 (CM) at 20% (w/v) substrate concentration was significantly higher than yields at 15% and 25% (w/v) for both substrates and comparable to the estimated 0.51 g/g theoretical yield from lignocellulose substrates. PKC and CM are viable substrates for bioethanol production because their ethanol yield compared favourably to theoretical value.

Background and Aim: The prebiotics, mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), demonstrate the ability to increase probiotic microorganisms and fixation and removal of pathogens associated with chronic systemic inflammation in the digestive system. Inflammatory processes play an important role in modulating the brain-intestinal axis, including maintaining male reproductive function and spermatogenesis and regulating stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of MOS on testosterone and corticosterone concentrations and the reproductive system development of rats in the growth phase as an animal model. Materials and Methods: In total, 128 male rats were used, randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=32): Control; MOS 1; MOS 2; and MOS 3. From each group, eight animals were sacrificed in four experimental moments (14, 28, 42, and 56 days, respectively, moments 1, 2, 3, and 4) and hormonal measurements and histological evaluations were performed. Results: The results revealed the effect of diet, MOS, and timing on testicle weight (p

Candida albicans mannan consists of a large repertoire of oligomannosides with different types of mannose linkages and chain lengths, which act as individual epitopes with more or less overlapping antibody specificities. Although anti-C. albicans mannan antibody levels are monitored for diagnostic purposes nothing is known about the qualitative distribution of these antibodies in terms of epitope specificity. We addressed this question using a bank of previously synthesized biotin sulfone tagged oligomannosides (BSTOs) of α and β anomery complemented with a synthetic β-mannotriose described as a protective epitope. The reactivity of these BSTOs was analyzed with IgM isotype monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of known specificity, polyclonal sera from patients colonized or infected with C. albicans, and mannose binding lectin (MBL). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and multiple analyte profiling (MAP) were used. Both methods confirmed the usual reactivity of MAbs against either α or β linkages, excepted for MAb B6.1 (protective epitope) reacting with β-Man whereas the corresponding BSTO reacted with anti-α-Man. These results were confirmed in western blots with native C. albicans antigens. Using patients’ sera in MAP, a significant correlation was observed between the detection of anti-mannan antibodies recognizing β- and α-Man epitopes and detection of antibodies against β-linked mannotriose suggesting that this epitope also reacts with human polyclonal antibodies of both specificities. By contrast, the reactivity of human sera with other α- and β-linked BSTOs clearly differed according to their colonized or infected status. In these cases, the establishment of an α/β ratio was extremely discriminant. Finally SPR with MBL, an important lectin of innate immunity to C. albicans, classically known to interact with α-mannose, also interacted in an unexpected way with the protective epitope. These cumulative data suggest that structure/activity investigations of the finely tuned C. albicans anti-mannose immune response are worthwhile to increase our basic knowledge and for translation in medicine.

In this study, the effect of dietary supplementation of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) + β-glucan (Immunogen®) was investigated on growth performance, body composition, gut microflora, innate immune responses and gene expression of some proinflammatory cytokines in shabout (Tor grypus). Shabout fingerlings (35 ± 1.2 g) were fed with basal diet (control) or basal diet supplemented with Immunogen® at 0.5, 1 and 1.5% of feed for 90 days. According to the results, growth parameters were significantly improved in fish fed with prebiotic (1 and 1.5%) for 90 days (p 0.05). The carcass protein content was significantly higher in fish nourished by prebiotic at 1.5% of feed for 90 days compared to fish received the basal diet (p 0.05). Feeding with various levels of Immunogen® resulted in the significant promotion of the population of intestinal Lactobacillus spp. in the prebiotic-treated groups relative to the control group (p 0.05). Serum total globulin was significantly higher in all prebiotic groups relative to the control group at day 60. Serum bactericidal and lysozyme activities were significantly (p 0.05) elevated after feeding with dietary prebiotic at all intervals (days 30, 60 and 90). However, the highest serum bactericidal activities were recorded in fish fed with Immunogen® at 1.5% of diet (p 0.05). The transcription levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly increased in the head kidney of fish treated with dietary prebiotic at all intervals. The results show that dietary supplementation with Immunogen®, particularly at the level of 1.5%, can positively alter growth parameters, carcass protein, intestinal microflora and immune responses of shabout.

In order to solve the antibiotic resistance, the research on antibiotic substitutes has received an extensive attention. Many studies have shown that β-glucan and mannan from yeast cell wall have the potential to replace antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases, thereby reducing the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. β-Glucan and mannan had a variety of biological functions, including improving the intestinal environment, stimulating innate and acquired immunity, adsorbing mycotoxins, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and so on. The biological activities of β-glucan and mannan can be improved by chemically modifying its primary structure or reducing molecular weight. In this paper, the structure, preparation, modification, and biological activities of β-glucan and mannan were reviewed, which provided future perspectives of β-glucan and mannan.

The production, characterization and bioactivities of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from a thermophilic bacterium Geobacillus sp. strain WSUCF1 were investigated. Using glucose as a carbon source 525.7 mg/L of exoproduct were produced in a 40-L bioreactor at 60 °C. Two purified EPSs were obtained: EPS-1 was a glucomannan containing mannose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1:0.21, while EPS-2 was composed of mannan only. The molecular weights of both EPSs were estimated to be approximately 1000 kDa, their FTIR and NMR spectra indicated the presence of α-type glycosidic bonds in a linear structure, and XRD analysis indicated a low degree of crystallinity of 0.11 (EPS-1) and 0.27 (EPS-2). EPS-1 and EPS-2 demonstrated high degradation temperatures of 319 °C and 314 °C, respectively, and non-cytotoxicity to HEK-293 cells at 2 and 3 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, both showed antioxidant activities. EPSs from strain WSUCF1 may expand the applications of microorganisms isolated from extreme environments and provide a valuable resource for exploitation in biomedical fields such as drug delivery carriers.

Within the midgut gland of the Christmas Island red crab, Gecarcoidea natalis, a single transcript for a GH5_10 endo-β-1,4-mannase had the highest expression out of all of the carbohydrase enzymes (Gan et al. in Mar Biotechnol 20:654–665, 2018). The activity, and potential digestive importance of this hemicellulase, compared with other carbohydrases, has yet to be established. The digestive fluid of G. natalis contained substantial endo-β-1,4-mannase activities (630 ± 55 (6) nmol reducing sugars. min−1. mg−1 protein). It was present as a single isozyme of 66.3 ± 0.7 kDa (n = 6). Endo-β-1,4-mannase activities were higher than that for lichenase and endo-β-1,4-glucanase but lower than that for β-1,3-glucanase and amylase. The digestive fluid was able to hydrolyse, galactomannan, into its component monosaccharides. Hence, this confirms expression data that this enzyme is one of the most important digestive cellulases/ hemicellulases. Expression of GH5_10 endo-β-1,4-mannase mRNA was consistent with that of a digestive enzyme, as it was expressed in the digestive midgut gland but not in muscle and gill. Endo-β-1,4-mannase activities were also present within the digestive fluid of the terrestrial hermit crabs, Coenobita perlatus and Coenobita brevimanus. Endo-β-1,4-mannase activities (1351 ± 136 (n=3) nmol reducing sugars. min−1 mg−1 protein for C. perlatus. 665 ± 32 n=(5) nmol reducing sugars. min−1 mg−1 protein for C. brevimanus) were higher than that for endo-β-1,4-glucanase and amylase but were lower than β-1,3-glucanase activities. Animals within the terrestrial hermit crab family, Coenobitidae consume legume and palm seeds which contain substantial amounts of mannan. Hence, high endo-β-1,4-mannase activities suggest that digestion of mannan within these species may represent an important source of carbohydrate.

Zika virus (ZIKV) leads to congenital microcephaly and anomalies and severe neurological diseases such as Guillain-Barre syndrome. Safe and effective vaccines are necessitated to deal with these severe health threats. As an ideal antigen, the domain III of the envelope protein (EDIII) of ZIKV can evoke potent neutralizing antibodies without any antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) effect. However, EDIII necessitates to be formulated with an antigen delivery system or adjuvants to improve its immunogenicity. Hemoglobin (Hb) regulates inflammation, cytokine levels, and activate macrophage. Mannan is a polysaccharide of the fungal cell wall with an immunomodulatory activity. In this study, EDIII was conjugated with Hb and mannan, using the disulfide bond as the linker. Hb and mannan both functioned as the adjuvants. Conjugation of Hb and mannan acted as the delivery system for EDIII. The structure of EDIII was essentially maintained upon conjugation of Hb and mannan. The intracellular release of EDIII from the conjugate (HM-EDIII-2) was achieved by reduction of the glutathione-sensitive disulfide bond. As compared with EDIII, HM-EDIII-2 elicited high EDIII-specific IgG titers and high levels of Th1-type cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2) and Th2-type cytokines (IL-5 and IL-10), along with no apparent toxicity to the organs. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic study revealed a prolonged serum exposure of HM-EDIII-2 to the immune cells. Thus, HM-EDIII-2 could boost a strong humoral and cellular immune response to EDIII. Our study was expected to provide the feasibility necessary to develop a robust and potentially safe ZIKV vaccine.

Background: Manno-oligosaccharides (MOS) is known as a kind of prebiotics. Mannanase plays a key role for the degradation of mannan to produce MOS. In this study, the mannanases of glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 5 Man5HJ14 and GH26 ManAJB13 were employed to prepare MOS from locust bean gum (LBG) and palm kernel cake (PKC). The prebiotic activity and utilization of MOS were assessed in vitro using the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strain. Results: Galactomannan from LBG was converted to MOS ranging in size from mannose up to mannoheptose by Man5HJ14 and ManAJB13. Mannoheptose was got from the hydrolysates produced by Man5HJ14, which mannohexaose was obtained from LBG hydrolyzed by ManAJB13. However, the same components of MOS ranging in size from mannose up to mannotetrose were observed between PKC hydrolyzed by the mannanases mentioned above. MOS stability was not affected by high-temperature and high-pressure condition at their natural pH. Based on in vitro growth study, all MOS from LBG and PKC was effective in promoting the growth of L. plantarum CICC 24202, with the strain preferring to use mannose to mannotriose, rather than above mannotetrose. Conclusions: The effect of mannanases and mannan difference on MOS composition was studied. All of MOS hydrolysates showed the stability in adversity condition and prebiotic activity of L. plantarum , which would have potential application in the biotechnological applications. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabla normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

On two dimensional maps of 1H-13C correlation spectroscopy (H-C COSY) analysis for the mannan of Candida tropicalis, nine cross peaks of anomeric proton and carbon were useful for the purpose of obtaining information on the chemical structure of this molecule. Namely, the mannans was comb-like structure constructed with the linear α-1,6-linked polymannnosyl backbone and several oligomannnosyl side chains composed of α-1,2-, α-1,3-, and β-1,2-linkages. Therefore, in the structural investigation of comb-like mannan, two-dimensional H-C COSY analysis is as useful as two-dimensional nuclear Hartmann-Hahn (HOHAHA) analysis.

Background: The efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is mainly depended on the tolerogenic immune responses elicited. Properly conjugated nano-vaccine has the advantages of both specific targeting and continuous and on-demand release of allergen. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a dendritic cells (DCs)-targeting nano-vaccine for AIT. Methods: The nano-vaccine was produced by coupling polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-encapsulated ovalbumin (OVA) with mannan. Allergen capture, human monocytes-derived DCs (hMoDCs) activation, and T cells responses were assessed by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR, ELISA, and Cytometric Bead Array. Balb/c mice were immunized with the nano-vaccines, and the immune responses were analyzed. Results: OVA-PLGA nanoparticle (NP) displayed favorable safety profile. OVA-mannan-PLGA NP was captured more efficiently by hMoDCs than OVA-PLGA NP, which was mediated mainly through DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin. A tolerogenic phenotype of hMoDCs was induced by OVA-mannan-PLGA NP, but not OVA-PLGA NP, and increased number of regulatory T (Treg) cells was generated subsequently in in vitro coculture. Immunization of Balb/c mice with OVA-mannan-PLGA NP resulted in lower serum level of OVA-specific immunoglobulins and less production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in splenocytes culture than the mice immunized with OVA-PLAG NP, PLGA NP, or OVA, while the number of splenic Treg cells was higher in OVA-mannan-PLGA group than in other groups. Moreover, preimmunization with OVA-mannan-PLGA NP significantly inhibited the Th2 immune response induced by OVA sensitization. Conclusions: The biocompatible PLGA-encapsulated OVA coupling with mannan has augmented ability for tolerance induction and could be developed as a novel vaccine for AIT.

Bletilla striata is widely used for stanching bleeding. In this study, polysaccharides from B. striata (BSP) were extracted by hot water. Four polysaccharides named BSP-1-BSP-4 were fractionated using DEAE-52 cellulose. BSP fractions contained sulfate, and the degrees of substitution of BSP-3 and BSP-4 were 1.59 and 1.70, respectively. Analysis of monosaccharide composition showed that four polysaccharides were mainly composed of mannan and glucose. The in vitro results showed that BSP-1-BSP-4 elicited pro-coagulant capacities by shortening the activating partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time and elevating the fibrinogen content. Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated by MTT assay, the pinocytic capacity and NO production. Although BSP fractions did not affect RAW 264.7 cell viability, they, especially BSP-2, enhanced the immunomodulatory activity by increasing the pinocytic capacity and NO production. Overall, BSP may be developed as a potential coagulant with immunomodulatory effects.

BACKGROUND: Polymerized allergens conjugated to non-oxidized mannan (PM-allergoids) are novel vaccines targeting dendritic cells (DCs). Previous experimental data indicate that PM-allergoids are readily taken up by DCs and induce Treg cells. This first-in-human study was aimed to evaluate safety and to find the optimal dose of house dust mite PM-allergoid (PM-HDM) administered subcutaneously (SC) or sublingually (SL). METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial, 196 subjects received placebo or PM-HDM at 500, 1000, 3000, or 5000 mannan-conjugated therapeutic units (mTU)/mL in 9-arm groups for 4 months. All subjects received 5 SC doses (0.5 ml each) every 30 days plus 0.2 ml SL daily. The primary efficacy outcome was the improvement of titrated nasal provocation tests (NPT) with D. pteronyssinus at baseline and at the end of the study. All adverse events and reactions were recorded and assessed. Secondary outcomes were the combination of symptom and medication scores (CSMS) and serological markers. RESULTS: No moderate or severe adverse reactions were reported. Subjects improving the NPT after treatment ranged from 45% to 62% in active SC, 44% to 61% in active SL and 16% in placebo groups. Statistical differences between placebo and active groups were all significant above 500 mTU, being the highest with 3000 mTU SL (p = 0.004) and 5000 mTU SC (p = 0.011). CSMS improvement over placebo reached 70% (p < 0.001) in active 3000 mTU SC and 40% (p = 0.015) in 5000 mTU SL groups. CONCLUSIONS: PM-HDM immunotherapy was safe and successful in achieving primary and secondary clinical outcomes in SC and SL at either 3000 or 5000 mTU/ml.

Purpose of the study . To evaluate the diagnostic significance of accelerated and affordable verification of a bloodstream infection pathogen using biomarkers: procalcitonin and the Platelia ™ Candida Ag Plus mannan antigen. Patients and methods . 349 cancer patients with febrile fever were examined from 6 medical and diagnostic oncological hospitals in the Southern Federal District of the Russian Federation during 2019. Patients aged from 1 to 85 years were hospitalized in intensive care, pediatric oncology and hematology oncology departments. Patient informed consent for the study wasobtained. The diagnostic algorithm included: a blood test using an automatic BacT /ALERT 3D analyzer and a parallel study of the level of biomarkers with enzyme immunoassay. Identification of strains and determination of sensitivity to antimicrobial agents was determined on a Vitek 2 automatic analyzer (BioMerieux, France). Procalcitonin levels greater than 10 ng/ml were registered to determine the development of bacterial inflammation. Procalcitonin was determined with Procalcitonin — ELISA-BEST kits (Russia). Mannan antigen was determined using Platelia Candida Ag kits (France). The result was considered positive at the antigen concentration of ≥125 pg/ml. Candida mannan antigen allowed us to decide on the involvement of Candida spp. in the infectious process. Results. An integrated approach to the diagnosis of bloodstream infections increased the percentage of detection of pathogens up to 58.7%. Bacterial infection testing both with the blood culture method and the procalcitonin determination in blood serum revealed similar diagnostic values. Candida mannan antigen testing significantly improved the early diagnosis of Candidal infection, despite negative blood culture, which was probably associated with prolonged cultivation of Candida spp. in the blood (from 2 to 5 days). The inclusion of biomarker testing in the diagnostic algorithm in cases of suspected bloodstream infection allowed early pathogen identification and starting an adequate antibacterial or antifungal therapy. Conclusion. An integrated approach to the diagnosis of bloodstream infections improved and, just as importantly, significantly accelerated the pathogen verification. Bacterial infection cases showed comparable results of hemoculturing and biomarker testing; however, in case of candidal infection, determination of Candida mannan antigen appears critical, as it was significantly more sensitive than the result of blood culture and allowed to identify the etiology of fever of unknown origin in many patients.

Background Improvements in the virulence of the fungal pathogen Metarhizium acridum can crucially promote its efficacy to control locusts and grasshoppers. The polysaccharide components of the cell wall remarkably contribute to fungal virulence. Results Here we found that M. acridum lacked the gene families of glycerate-3-kinase (GLYK) as the synthesis enzymes of saccharides. We then generated mutants by introducing the GLYK gene from the host-generalist M. robertsii into the host-specialist M. acridum. Consequently, compared with the wild-type strain, the mutant strain (Ma::MrGLYK) increased the level of phospho-6-fructose in mycelia, the length and density of the mannan fibril layer on the cell wall. The mutant strains increased the mannan fibril in the cell wall and resistance to heat stress. Further transcriptome analysis showed that compared with the wild-type strain, topical infection of Ma::MrGLYK strain induced higher expression of genes such as pattern-recognition proteins, serine protease, and CYP450s in locusts, while reduced the expression of antimicrobial peptide and phenoloxidase activity. Moreover, topical infection and injection of Ma::MrGLYK significantly increased the mortality and shortened the lifespan of locusts compared with wild-type M. acridum. Conclusion Our study highlighted the application potential of the novel genetically modified fungal mutant of the host-specialist M. acridum as a biocontrol agent against locust plagues. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fungal cell walls and their biosynthetic enzymes are potential targets for novel antifungal agents. Recently, two mannosyltransferases, namely core-mannan synthases A (CmsA/Ktr4) and B (CmsB/Ktr7), were found to play roles in the core-mannan biosynthesis of fungal-type galactomannan. CmsA/Ktr4 is an α-(1→2)-mannosyltransferase responsible for α-(1→2)-mannan biosynthesis in fungal-type galactomannan, which covers the cell surface of Aspergillus fumigatus. Strains with disrupted cmsA/ktr4 have been shown to exhibit strongly suppressed hyphal elongation and conidiation alongside reduced virulence in a mouse model of invasive aspergillosis, indicating that CmsA/Ktr4 is a potential novel antifungal candidate. In this study we present the 3D structures of the soluble catalytic domain of CmsA/Ktr4, as determined by X-ray crystallography at a resolution of 1.95 A, as well as the enzyme and Mn2+/GDP complex to 1.90 A resolution. The CmsA/Ktr4 protein not only contains a highly conserved binding pocket for the donor substrate, GDP-mannose, but also has a unique broad cleft structure formed by its N- and C-terminal regions and is expected to recognize the acceptor substrate, a mannan chain. Based on these crystal structures, we also present a 3D structural model of the enzyme–substrate complex generated using docking and molecular dynamics simulations with α-Man-(1→6)-α-Man-(1→2)-α-Man-OMe as the model structure for the acceptor substrate. This predicted enzyme–substrate complex structure is also supported by findings from single amino acid substitution CmsA/Ktr4 mutants expressed in ΔcmsA/ktr4 A. fumigatus cells. Taken together, these results provide basic information for developing specific α-mannan biosynthesis inhibitors for use as pharmaceuticals and/or pesticides.

C-type lectins are a superfamily of Ca2+-dependent carbohydrate-recognizing proteins that often serve as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which bind with specific molecular patterns known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of certain microorganisms. A new C-type lectin specific for highly branched mannans (GYLman) was isolated from the hemolymph of the mollusk Glycymeris yessoensis. GYLman was an oligomer with a molecular mass of more than 250 kDa by SDS-PAGE and showed a single band of approximately 70 kDa in reducing conditions. Lectin hemagglutination activity was best inhibited by highly branched yeast mannan with α-1,6-linked mannopyranose backbone and α-1,2-linked mannopyranose side chains. The mannan structure was established using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. GYLman activity was reversibly inhibited by EDTA, was maximal in a pH range of 7–9, and was completely abolished by heating at 90°C. Acting as a PRR, GYLman specifically interacted with various PAMPs, including Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O111:B4, α-D-mannan, β-1,3-glucan, and peptidoglycan, and bound to both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (E. coli and Vibrio proteolyticus) bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans, suggesting a broad PAMP recognition spectrum.

This research investigates the influences of dietary mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on the head-kidney and spleen immune function in on-growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and its related mechanism. Fish were fed during 60 days at different levels of MOS (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg−1). Subsequently, 14 days after the feeding trial was injected intraperitoneally with Aeromonas hydrophila, the immune function was studied. The results are as follows: (1) appropriate MOS supplementation could increase the content of antibacterial compound and immunoglobulin (Ig), up-regulate antimicrobial peptides transcriptional levels in these two organs; (2) appropriate MOS supplementation attenuated inflammatory response in these two organs by regulating cytokines (pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines) and related signalling pathways (NF-κB and TOR). The interesting points though, was, no differences were found in liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide (LEAP)-2A, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-4/13B, IκB kinase (IKK) α and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p52 gene expression in these two organs. Consequently, the present research suggests that MOS supplementation can enhance head-kidney and spleen immune function. Finally, we obtained these appropriate MOS dose (538.5 and 585.8 mg kg−1) by quadratic regression analysis of lysozyme activity (head-kidney) and phosphatase activity (spleen), respectively.

The cell walls of yeast cells possess a large mannan structure mainly comprising of a linear α1,6-linked mannose oligomer on the N-linked glycans. The biosynthesis of the mannan is initiated by ScOch1p α1,6-mannosyltransfease, and elongated by the mannan polymerase complexes M-Pol I and II in the Golgi of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we functionally characterized SpMnn9 and SpAnp1 proteins in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe; these proteins are homologs of S. cerevisiae M-Pol II complex proteins ScMnn9p and ScAnp1p. Cells harboring disruptions in Spmnn9+ and Spanp1+ genes showed slower growth at 37°C and an increased sensitivity to hygromycin B, characteristic of a glycosylation defect. Results obtained from the acid phosphatase assay and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of N-linked glycans in Spmnn9Δ and Spanp1Δ mutants suggested that the mannan structure in S. pombe is synthesized sequentially by the α-mannosyltransferases in the order of SpOch1p, SpMnn9p and SpAnp1p. Immunoprecipitation and split YFP analyses demonstrated that SpMnn9p and SpAnp1p form the M-Pol-II like complex. Together, these results provided an improved understanding of the mechanism of mannan synthesis by SpMnn9p and SpAnp1p in S. pombe.

Introduction. Due to the trend of avoiding antibiotics and acquiring eco-friendly products, the use of environmentally safe preparations is becoming increasingly relevant in poultry farming. Study objects and methods. We used Salmonella enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni isolated from poultry carcasses. At the first in vitro stage, we studied the ability of mannan oligosaccharides, isolated from the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, to adsorb bacterial pathogens. At the second stage, we studied the influence of fraction on the activity, colonization and microflora composition of ducklings’ intestines. At the third stage, we determined the antagonistic activity of Bifidobacterium spp. (Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum) and Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillus fermentun, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus acidophilus) against Salmonella enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni isolates. The experiment was conducted on the ducklings of Star 53 H.Y. cross. Their diet was supplemented with probiotics, prebiotics, and their combination. Results and discussion. In vitro studies showed the ability of mannan oligosaccharides isolated from the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast to adsorb Salmonella enteritidis and Campylobacter jejun. In vivo experiment showed the ability of mannan oligosaccharides to prevent colonization of poultry intestines by bacterial pathogens with type I fimbriae. Conclusion. The reisolation rate of ducks infected with Salmonella enteritidis was 53.6% lower, and those infected with Campylobacter jejuni, 66.2% lower than the control. Mannan oligosaccharides added to the diet did not affect the concentration of lactobacilli, enterococci, and anaerobic bacteria in the ducks’ intestines. A combined use of Bifidobacterium spp. and mannan oligosaccharides improved the preservation of poultry stock by 8.7%, which made it an effective way to prevent poultry salmonellosis.

Background α-Galactosidase is widely used in various biotechnological applications such as food processing, beet sugar, the pulp and paper industries, synthesis of oligosaccharides by trans-galactosylation, hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells, and medical applications. Results Screening and identification of fungi for α-galactosidase activity was performed. The isolate Penicillium sp. showed good α-galactosidase activity. α-Galactosidase production by the fungal strain Penicillium sp. cultivated in solid state fermentation (SSF) conditions using copra mannan extract as nutrient medium was investigated. The maximum α-galactosidase activity of 5.391 U/mL was obtained in defatted copra meal (dFCO) as carbon source, which is 2–3% greater as compared with commercial mannans and unprocessed copra meal. The highest product yield of α-galactosidase was obtained with media containing yeast extract (6.672 U/ml) as organic nitrogen and ammonium nitrate (6.325 U/ml) and as inorganic nitrogen source with media pH 5.5, and the time course of enzyme production was at the 5th day of fermentation, respectively. The optimum pH of α-galactosidase was obtained at pH 5 and optimum temperature at 60 °C. The enzyme was stable between pH 4 and 6 and retained more than 50% of residual activity for an 8-h incubation period. The Ca+2 ions enhanced the enzyme activity and Mn+2 ions have not altered the enzyme activity, whereas Hg+2 strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. Conclusions The findings of present investigations on α-galactosidase are of particular interest for its application in the food processing industry.

The rare sugar d-tagatose is a safe natural product used as a commercial food ingredient. Here, we show that d-tagatose controls a wide range of plant diseases and focus on downy mildews to analyze its mode of action. It likely acts directly on the pathogen, rather than as a plant defense activator. Synthesis of mannan and related products of d-mannose metabolism are essential for development of fungi and oomycetes; d-tagatose inhibits the first step of mannose metabolism, the phosphorylation of d-fructose to d-fructose 6-phosphate by fructokinase, and also produces d-tagatose 6-phosphate. d-Tagatose 6-phosphate sequentially inhibits phosphomannose isomerase, causing a reduction in d-glucose 6-phosphate and d-fructose 6-phosphate, common substrates for glycolysis, and in d-mannose 6-phosphate, needed to synthesize mannan and related products. These chain-inhibitory effects on metabolic steps are significant enough to block initial infection and structural development needed for reproduction such as conidiophore and conidiospore formation of downy mildew., Mochizuki, Fukumoto, Ohara, et al. study the protective role of the rare sugar d-tagatose against plant disease. They focus on its effects against the downy mildews and delineate the metabolic pathway that blocks the initial infection. Their work paves the way for the development of safe fungicidal agrochemicals using natural products.

Mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is in an essential cell envelope lipopolysaccharide anchored both to the plasma and outer membranes. To understand critical biological questions such as the biosynthesis, spatial organization of LAM within the cell envelope, structural remodeling during growth, and display or lack of display of LAM-based antigenicity requires a basic understanding of the primary structure of the mannan, arabinan and how they are attached to each other. Herein, using enzymatic digestions and high-resolution mass spectrometry, we show that the arabinan component of LAM is attached at the non-reducing end of the mannan rather than to internal regions. Further, we show the presence of secondary extended mannan side chains attached to the internal mannan region. Such findings lead to a significant revision of the structure of LAM and lead to guidance of biosynthetic studies and to hypotheses of the role of LAM both in the periplasm and outside the cell as a fundamental part of the dynamic mycobacterial cell envelope. Lipoarabinomannan is a carbohydrate expressed on mycobacterial cell surfaces and implicated in host-pathogen interactions, but its structure is not well-characterised. Here mass spectrometry studies of enzymatic digests reveal the presence of secondary extended mannan pendants and indicate a revised structure for the connectivity of the core domains.

Endo-1,4-β-mannosidases catalyze the cleavage of the β-d-1,4-mannopyranosyl linkage in mannan and have potential biotechnological applications in biofuel production, manno-oligosaccharide production, cleansing, and food and feed industries. In this study, an endo-1,4-β-mannosidase gene (TaMan3A) from wheat (Triticum aestivum) was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris, and the antifungal effectiveness and manno-oligosaccharide production of the enzyme were evaluated. The purified TaMan3A exhibited a molecular weight of approximately 43 kDa, and its highest enzyme activity at pH 4.0 and 40 °C. Comparisons with other β-mannanases showed that TaMan3A had a conserved mannan-binding V-shaped groove, catalytic acid/base residue (E179), and nucleophilic residue (E297). Antifungal assays for TaMan3A against seven fungi commonly associated with wheat kernels showed that this enzyme had higher inhibitory effects on hyphal growth of the field fungi Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria sp. in comparison with that of storage fungi. TaMan3A could hydrolyze mannan polymers of galactomannan and Konjac glucomannan to mannobiose, mannotriose, and mannotetraose as the main products. Overall, these results showed the potential of TaMan3A for enhancing host resistance against fungal pathogens in wheat and manno-oligosaccharide production in the feed and food industries.

Lactobacillus plantarum AKK30 inoculum in de Maan Rogosa Sharpe Broth (MRSB) grown on media containing oligosaccharides (inulin or mannan oligosaccharides/MOS) was studied in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assay was conducted to characterize metabolite profiles and its effect on pathogenic bacteria, while in vivo assay was conducted to study the metabolic energy, nitrogen retention, and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 24 male broilers-40-day-old (average body weight= 1.725±0.05 kg) strains Cobb-500 were used, where 20 birds were added 1% inoculum L plantarum AKK30 of daily intake and randomly distributed in five treatments and four replications consisted of: A) MRSB + L. plantarum AKK-30 (10⁷ cfu g-1); B) MRSB + inulin 0.5% (w v-1); C) MRSB + MOS 0.5%(w v-1); D) L. plantarum AKK-30 (10⁷ cfu g-1) + MRSB + inulin 0.5% (w v-1).; and E) L. plantarum AKK-30 (10⁷ cfu g-1) + MRSB + MOS 0.5% (w v-1), while 4 birds were fasted as endogenous chicken. The results showed that the highest isoleucine and threonine were found in group E. The highest oleic acid and the lowest conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were observed in all treatments and inoculum did not affect antibacterial activity. The metabolizable energy values and nitrogen retention in group D and E were higher than other treatments (p

Mannose and mannooligosaccharide acted as prebiotic that consumed by probiotic bacteria. Mannanase were the second most important enzymes for the hydrolysis of hemicelluloses, beside xylanase. The objective research was to obtain eminent strains of Bacillus sp. in mannan degradation which can potentially be a probiotic candidate. The study employed a completely randomized design using four concentration levels repeated six times. Halotolerant Bacteria were isolated from mangrove ecosystem at Hanura beach, Teluk Pandan, Pesawaran District in Lampung Province. They are grown on the sea water complete agar media. Mannan degradation isolates were then characterized to determine their character with a variety of tests, including resistance to pH, salt, and metal ions, pathogenicity, and determination of mannanase production duration. Thirty strains are found to grow at 3-6% salt content, and 9 of them have mannanolytic activity. They grow optimally at pH 7-10. Seven isolates were proven to be positively hydrolyzed blood agar in the pathogenicity test. The addition of Iron (III) Chloride increased the enzyme activity by 11.12% in IBK3 isolates at 96 hours of cultivation period which was 0.05 UmL-1. It acted as cofactors of enzymatic reactions. Strains Bacillus sp., were able to degrade mannan substrate. It quantified using Index of mannanolytic. Strain IBK3 has the highest index of mannanolytic activity as much as 10.74. Their ability to grow in salt media indicated that they were halotolerant. They were more likely to live at base rather than acid habitat. Only IBK3 and ID2K1 showed non-pathogenic isolates. Only FeCl3 addition has proven to rise up enzymatic activity.

Polysaccharides contain mannan (PM) from palm kernel meal (PKM) potential as leader pathogen microorganism and enhancing the immune responses. The objective of the study was to evaluate efficacy of PM as oral adjuvant in increasing AI H5N1 antibody titer and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in serum of broiler thirty chickens age 1 - 6 weeks were divided onto five groups and assigned randomly to five vaccine treatments i.e : un-vaccinated birds (R0A), birds vaccinated with antigen H5N1 + 0 µg PM (R0B), birds vaccinated with antigen H5N1 + 50 µg PM (R1), birds vaccinated with antigen H5N1 + 100 µg PM (R2) and birds vaccinated with antigen H5N1 + 200 µg PM (R3). The results showed the treatment did not reduce broiler body weight (PM is not toxic). AI H5N1 antibody titer increased significantly (P0.05) one week after the first vaccination, serum IgA of broiler also increased significantly (P0.05) two weeks after the second vaccination. R3 treatment (200 μg PM) produce higher HI antibody titer ≤ 5 log2 and serum IgA 1.6 fold higher compared with those of broiler received R0A and R0B. It can be concluded that PM can increase the immune response in broiler chickens and can be used as an adjuvant for inactive AI vaccine.

Primary fungal infection of the central nervous system (CNS) is rare but often associated with severe prognosis. Diagnosis is complicated since cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained from lumbar puncture usually remain sterile. Testing for fungal antigens in CSF could be a complementary diagnostic tool. We conducted such measurements in CSF from patients with CNS fungal infection and now discuss the usefulness of ventricular puncture. Mannan and (1→3)ß-D-glucan (BDG) testing were retrospectively performed in CSF samples from three patients with proven chronic CNS fungal infection (excluding Cryptococcus), and subsequently compared to 16 controls. Results from lumbar punctures and those from cerebral ventricles were confronted. BDG detection was positive in all the CSF samples (from lumbar and/or ventricular puncture) from the three confirmed cases. In case of Candida infection, mannan antigen measurement was positive in 75% of the CSF samples. In the control group, all antigen detections were negative (n = 15), except for one false positive. Faced with suspected chronic CNS fungal infection, measurement of BDG levels appears to be a complementary diagnostic tool to circumvent the limitations of mycological cultures from lumbar punctures. In the event of negative results, more invasive procedures should be considered, such as ventricular puncture.

Mannans are polysaccharides of natural origin. Their main chain consists of residues of D-mannose. They have an immunomodulatory effect, able to induce macrophage activation, inhibit tumor growth and virus development, normalize blood cholesterol, etc. Manooligosaccharides are effective prebiotics The main way to obtain mannan is to extract their alkaline solutions. This makes it impossible to use this polysaccharide in food technologe. This study proposes a biotechnological method of producing water-soluble mannan from coffee sludge. As a source of mannan used a by-product of obtaining instant coffee at the Odessa Combine Food Concentrates which is formed in the processing of coffee beans Arabica. The chemical composition of this coffee sludge was investigated. It is dominated by water-insoluble carbohydrates which are represented by hemicellulose polysaccharides and cellulose. Analysis of the monosaccharide composition of hemicelluloses showed that the hydrolyzate contains mannose, glucose and galactose residues in a ratio of 6: 0,5: 3., which may indicate the presence of galactomannan in their composition. The developed method involves the treatment of the coffee sludge with enzyme preparation with beta-mannanase activity. The process was carried out in aqueous medium at temperature 50 °C, varying the hydromodule in the range of 30… 50, the ratio of enzyme: substrate (1:25, 1:50 and 1:100) for 24…72 hours. This study presents the characteristics of the monomer composition and molecular weight distribution of polysaccharide samples obtained in this way. Only mannose was found in the hydrolyzate of water-soluble mannan. The rational conditions of enzymatic processing of raw materials are determined. The modified mannan is soluble in water. It contains the highest number of target fragments with a molecular weight of about 20 kDa which are considered to be the most physiologically active. Subsequently the modified mannan can be used in nanotechnology functional food ingredients and dietary supplements.

Dietary fibers are formed by non-starch polysaccharides as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, gums, mucilages, β-glucans, among others. These constituents have prebiotic properties and are therefore not digested in the gut, reaching intact in the colon and altering the microflora of the colon. In developing, beneficial microflora produces physiological effects capable of improving the life of the host. Thus, the knowledge of the biological and functional properties of dietary fibers has led to the development of methods of obtaining these compounds for possible use in animal nutrition. Then, this study aimed to obtain dietary fiber concentrates (DFC) from different agro-industrial sources and evaluate their respective chemical composition and physicochemical properties. The DFC - mucilage, pectin, and βglucan + mannan (βG+M) were obtained from linseed, citrus pulp, and brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), respectively, through different physicochemical processes. The chemical composition revealed that the predominant component in all DFC were dietary fiber and the insoluble fraction. The DFC that obtained most extraction yield was βG+M (19.81% ± 8.54), followed by pectin (14.54% ± 2.72), and mucilage (7.18% ± 1.54). The mucilage and pectin composition have greater monosaccharide diversity since the βG+M consisted primarily of mannose (74.5%) and glucose (24.3%). The pectin showed numerically lower hydration capacity than the other DFC. For the oil binding ability, all DFC had similar values. In this study, the DFC presented nutritional and technological characteristics that indicate potential application of the agro-industrial sources as a prebiotic for fish supplementation. As fibras alimentares são formadas por polissacarídeos não amiláceos como celulose, hemicelulose, pectinas, gomas, mucilagens, β-glicanos, entre outros. Estes constituintes têm propriedades prebióticas e, portanto, não são digeridos no intestino, atingindo intactos e alterando a microflora do cólon. Quando desenvolvida, a microflora benéfica produz efeitos fisiológicos capazes de melhorar a vida do hospedeiro. Desta forma, o conhecimento das propriedades biológicas e funcionais das fibras alimentares levou ao desenvolvimento de métodos de obtenção desses compostos para possível uso em nutrição animal. Logo, o presente estudo teve como objetivo a obtenção de Concentrados de Fibras Alimentares (CFAs) a partir de diferentes fontes agroindustrial e avaliar suas respectivas composição química e propriedades físico-químicas. O CFAs (mucilagem, pectina e βglicana + manana (βG+M)) foram obtidos a partir da linhaça, polpa cítrica e levedura de cervejaria (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), respectivamente, através de diferentes processos físico-químicos. A composição química revelou que o componente predominante em todos os CFAs foram fibra alimentar e a fração insolúvel. O CFA que obteve maior rendimento de extração foi βG+M (19.81% ± 8.54), seguido pela pectina (14.54% ± 2.72), e mucilagem (7.18% ± 1.54). A composição da mucilagem e pectina tiveram maior diversidade de monossacarídeos, uma vez que a βG+M consistiu principalmente de manose (74.5%) e glicose (24.3%). A pectina apresentou numericamente menor capacidade de hidratação que os demais CFAs. Para acapacidade de ligação ao óleo, todos os CFAs apresentaram valores similares. Neste estudo, os CFAs apresentaram características nutricional e tecnológica que indicaram potencial de aplicação das fontes agroindustrial como um prebiótico para a suplementação de peixes.

The emerging, multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen Candida auris is responsible for healthcare-associated outbreaks across the globe with high mortality. The rapid spread of C. auris is linked to its...