Konjac Glucomannan Oligosaccharides Prevent Intestinal Inflammation Through Signr1-Mediated Regulation Of Alternatively Activated Macrophages

Scope Konjac glucomannan oligosaccharides (KMOS) are prebiotics and may improve intestinal immunity through modulation of macrophage function. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms were unclear. Methods and Results Using a mouse model of dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis, the study demonstrates here that KMOS (400 mg(-1)kg(-1)d(-1)) can ameliorate intestinal inflammation in a macrophage dependent manner. Oral exposure to KMOS prevents DSS-induced intestinal pathology, improves epithelial integrity, and decreases accumulation of colonic inflammatory leukocytes and cytokines. The therapeutic effects of KMOS are dependent on the function of macrophages, as depletion of macrophages abolished the effects. In colonic lamina propria of DSS-treated mice, as well as in vitro culture of bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs), KMOS skews reprogramming of classically activated macrophages (CAM/M1) into alternatively activated macrophages (AAM/M2). The study further determines that the activation of SIGNR1/phospho-c-Raf (S338)/phospho-p65 (S276)/acetyl-p65 (K310) pathway is responsible for KMOS-induced AAM/M2 polarization. Blockage of SIGNR1 abolishes KMOS-induced AAM/M2 polarization of activated macrophages, expression of phospho-p65 (S276) in colonic macrophages, and alleviation of DSS-induced colitis in mice, suggesting that SIGNR1 is critical for macrophage responses to KMOS. Conclusions This study reveals a SIGNR1-mediated macrophage-dependent pathway that supports regulatory function of KMOS in host immunity and intestinal homeostasis.