title: Immunological properties of inulin-type fructans.
abstract: Beneficial effects of inulin-type fructans are discussed in view of studies that applied the oligosaccharides in colon cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, vaccination efficacy, and prevention of infection and allergy. In the present paper, we discuss their immunomodulating effects. It is suggested that immunomodulation is elicited through indirect and direct mechanisms. Indirect mechanisms encompass stimulation of growth and activity of lactic acid bacteria, but can also be caused by fermentation products of these bacteria, i.e., short chain fatty acids. Evidence for direct effects on the immune system generally remains to be confirmed. It is suggested that inulin-type fructans can be detected by gut dendritic cells (DCs), through receptor ligation of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors, nucleotide oligomerization domain containing proteins (NODs), C-type lectin receptors, and galectins, eventually inducing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. DCs may also exert antigen presenting capacity toward effector cells, such as B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells locally, or in the spleen. Inulin-type fructans may also ligate PRRs expressed on gut epithelium, which could influence its barrier function. Inulin-type fructans are potent immunomodulating food components that hold many promises for prevention of disease. However, more studies into the mechanisms, dose-effect relations, and structure-function studies are required.
authors.affiliation: a Immunoendocrinology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biologyw , University Medical Center Groningen , Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Leonie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: Diederick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Gerdie
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pullens
authors.forename: Marijke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faas
authors.forename: Maaike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smelt
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Venema
authors.forename: Uttara
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ramasamy
authors.forename: Henk A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Schols
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Vos
mesh_terms: D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D005285:Fermentation / Q000187:drug effects; D005630:Fructans / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D007249:Inflammation / Q000178:diet therapy*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007444:Inulin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D056546:Lactobacillales / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D005630:Fructans; D007444:Inulin
keywords: Inulin-type fructans; fructooligosaccharide; gut associated lymphoid tissue; immunology; oligofructose; prebiotics