Effect of Polysaccharides Isolated from Saussurea salicifolia (L.) DC on Th2-Dependent Immune Response.

The effect of polysaccharides isolated from the aboveground parts of Saussurea salicifolia (L.) DC on Th2 type immune response reactions was studied. Administration of water-soluble polysaccharides presented by arabino-galacturonans (weight average molecular weight 158.49 kDa) to mice against the background of experimental Th2 immunity reduced the severity of anaphylactic and local immediate type hypersensitivity reactions. It also suppressed the production of ovalbumin-specific IgE and IgG1 and increased the stability of mast cell membranes. The studied polysaccharide complex increased IFNγ secretion and inhibited IL-4 synthesis. These findings suggest that these polysaccharides may be considered as potential anti-allergic agents that suppress the development of allergy in its early stages.