Comparative analysis of a large panel of non-starch polysaccharides reveals structures with selective regulatory properties in dendritic cells

Scope: Structural‐based recognition of foreign molecules is essential for activation of dendritic cells (DCs) that play a key role in regulation of gut mucosal immunity. Orally ingested non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP) are ascribed many health‐promoting properties, but currently we lack insight into the impact of structure and size for their capacity to affect immune responses. Methods and results: This study addresses the importance of chemical structure, size, origin and presence of contaminants for the capacity of both dietary and non‐food NSP to modulate DC. Of 28 NSP products, β‐glucans of microbial and plant origin and the galactomannan guar gum were found to modulate the DC cytokine pattern induced by the Toll‐like receptor 4‐ligand LPS giving rise to reduced IL‐12p70 and increased IL‐10 levels, whereas IL‐6 production was unaffected. A large proportion of the tested NSP were able to down‐regulate LPS‐induced IL‐12p70 production. The most potent NSP induced up‐regulation of CD86 on DC independently of LPS stimulation. Cereal‐based β‐glucans showed less potency than β‐glucans of microbial origin, but proper molecular weight composition and preparation may improve effectiveness. Conclusions: Collectively, this comparative study revealed that some plant‐derived NSP besides those of microbial origin exert modulation of the DC phenotype, with the exact structure being important for the activity.