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A recent study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences focused on the purification and characterization of a glycoprotein (SGP1) from Sipunculus nudus, an edible marine invertebrate used in traditional Chinese medicine. The researchers found that SGP1 exhibited immune-enhancing activity to macrophages, promoting their proliferation and enhancing their phagocytic capacity. The glycoprotein also stimulated the secretion of nitric oxide, interleukin-18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 via NF-κB pathways. The study suggests that SGP1 could be used as a potential immuno-potentiator in functional foods for individuals with compromised immune systems. [Extracted from the article]