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IMMUNOMODULATORY PROPERTIES
Functional ingredients such as probiotics, postbiotics, and plant extracts can significantly influence the immune system, either directly or by shaping the composition and activity of the gut microbiome. Their effects extend across both innate and adaptive immunity, modulating key processes such as cytokine production, macrophage polarization, and phagocytic activity.
At ACARYON:
We have developed a comprehensive panel of assays to assess a broad spectrum of immune responses.
Most tests can be performed under physiological conditions or under conditions simulating inflammation, bacterial infection, or viral challenge. Thus, providing flexible and relevant insights into immunomodulatory mechanisms.
CYTOKINE PROFILING
INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM
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Cytokines regulate the homeostasis and function of immune cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines alert the immune system to potential danger, anti-inflammatory cytokines avoid overreaction and allow wound healing. A product may act on the intestinal cells, inducing the local production of immune factors (e.g. cytokines).
The Assay
Caco2
Incubation with the product
RT-Q-PCR
Quantify Cytokine secretion
Bioinformatic & customized visualization
THP-1
Differentiation
This assay aims at analysing the effect of product(s) on the innate immune system.
The Caco2/THP-1 co-culture model is a well-established in vitro system that mimics the interaction between intestinal epithelial cells and subepithelial macrophages, thereby reproducing key aspects of the innate immune response to intestinal compounds.
To characterize the immunomodulatory properties of test products, the said products are applied to the co-culture and their effect on cytokine secretion (via ELISA) and/or gene expression (via qRT-PCR). are quantified.
In addition to the human Caco2/THP-1 model, animal-derived cells or primary cell systems can be employed to meet specific research objectives.
CYTOKINE PROFILING
ADAPTATIVE IMMUNE SYSTEM
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The intestinal adaptive immune system provides long-term, antigen-specific protection while maintaining tolerance to beneficial microbes. Its function relies heavily on a balanced cytokine environment that guides T- and B-cell responses. Probiotics and other functional products can beneficially modulate this cytokine network, helping to strengthen mucosal immunity and support overall gut health.
The Assay
This assay aims at analysing the effect of product(s) on the innate immune system.
The Caco2/CD4+ T-cells co-culture model is a well-established in vitro system that mimics the interaction between intestinal epithelial cells and subepithelial T-helper cells, thereby reproducing key aspects of the adaptive immune response to intestinal compounds.
Test products are applied to the co-culture, and after incubation, cytokine secretion (ELISA) and gene expression (qqRT-PCR) are quantified to characterize their immunomodulatory effects.
In addition to the human Caco2/CD4+ model, animal-derived cells or primary cell systems can be employed to meet specific research objectives.
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CD4+
helper cells
Incubation with the product
RT-Q-PCR
Quantify Cytokine secretion
Bioinformatic & customized visualization
Caco2
MACROPHAGE POLARIZATION
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Macrophage polarization is crucial for intestinal health, as the balance between pro-inflammatory M1 and regulatory M2 phenotypes maintains mucosal stability and prevents chronic inflammation. Probiotics and other functional products can influence this balance by modulating cytokine signals, helping to promote beneficial, anti-inflammatory macrophage responses in the gut.
The Assay
Quantify Cytokine secretion
Bioinformatic & customized visualization
Incubation with the product
THP-1 (M0 phenotype)
Cytokine quantification and/ or analysis of polarization markers: M1(CXCL10),
M2 (CCL-22)
RT-Q-PCR
THP-1 cells can be differentiated into M0, M1, or M2 macrophages. M1 macrophages are pro-inflammatory and linked to immune activation, while M2 macrophages are anti-inflammatory and predominantly located in the intestinal lamina propria.
Assessing a product’s ability to modulate macrophage polarization provides valuable insight into its immunomodulatory properties.
In this assay, THP-1-derived M0 macrophages are incubated with the test compound. Following incubation, phenotype-specific markers are quantified. Optionally, cytokine secretion profiles can be analyzed.
The Assay
In this assay, THP-1 differentiated cells are incubated with the test product prior to exposure to fluorescently labeled E. coli.
Phagocytic activity is quantified by measuring the uptake of labeled bacteria, providing insight into the immune-modulating potential of the tested compound.
MACROPHAGE PHAGOCYTIC ACTIVITY
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Macrophage-mediated phagocytosis is a key mechanism of mucosal immune defense. Distinct macrophage subsets exhibit specific functional profiles: M1 macrophages are highly microbicidal and secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas M2 macrophages are primarily involved in immune regulation and tissue repair.
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Probiotics and other functional products can enhance this activity by modulating immune signaling, thereby strengthening frontline gut defenses.
THP-1
Incubation with the product
M1 Polarization
M2 Polarization
Quantification phagocytic activity
Bioinformatic & customized visualization
Phagocytose test with labelled E-coli bacteria
ANTI-ALLERGIC PROPERTIES
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Allergies can significantly affect health by triggering inappropriate immune responses that lead to inflammation, tissue irritation, and reduced quality of life. Maintaining a balanced immune system is therefore essential to prevent or reduce allergic reactions. Probiotics and other functional products can support this balance by modulating immune signaling, promoting regulatory pathways, and helping to reduce hypersensitivity responses.
The Assay
In this assay, HMC-1 cells are used to model mast cell–mediated allergic responses.
In this assay, the effect of the test product on the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in response to specific stimuli (e.g., PMA/ionomycin) is evaluated.
Additionally, changes in cytokine production (e.g., IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α) can be quantified to further characterize the product’s anti-allergic potential.
HMC-1
Allergen stimulus & Test product
Cytokine quantification and/ or Analysis of polarization markers: M1(CXCL10),
M2 (CCL-22)
Quantification
Of secretion
RT-Q-PCR
Bioinformatic & customized visualization
MICROBIOME MODULATION
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The microbiome is a key regulator of the immune system. It educates immune cells, promoting tolerance to beneficial microbes, modulating inflammatory responses through microbial metabolites and interactions with gut-associated lymphoid tissue and much more.
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With the HUMIPLATE platform, you can unlock critical insights into how your product influences these immunemodulatory properties.
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By analysing the supernatant of microbiomes cultivated with your product, HUMIPLATE reveals its impact on microbiome-driven immune modulation.
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Discover the immune-boosting potential of your innovations with cutting-edge precision!
Have a non-binding consultation with one of our experts to find out the best solution for your needs.
Contact us.
