Wild Cordyceps sinensis Polysaccharides Show Precision Immune-Boosting Potential Through MAPK/NF-κB Pathway

Wild Cordyceps sinensis Polysaccharides Exhibit Structure-Dependent Immune Activation

A recent open-access study in Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture has shed new light on the immunomodulatory mechanisms of Cordyceps sinensis, a prized medicinal fungus long used in traditional Chinese medicine. Researchers isolated four distinct polysaccharide fractions (WCP-20, WCP-40, WCP-60, WCP-80) using a stepwise ethanol precipitation method, revealing that molecular weight and sugar composition are key to their immune-enhancing effects.

The high-molecular-weight fractions (WCP-20 and WCP-40) contained more glucose and demonstrated triple-helical structures with higher thermal stability. In contrast, the low-molecular-weight fractions (WCP-60 and WCP-80) were rich in galactose and mannose and exhibited increased branching density.

All fractions significantly stimulated macrophage activity—enhancing phagocytosis and promoting the release of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-1β. These immune responses were mediated through the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, with each fraction activating specific sub-pathways such as ERK/JNK/p65 or P38/ERK/JNK.

Importantly, correlation analysis confirmed that immunostimulatory strength was closely linked to molecular structure—particularly monosaccharide ratios and helical conformations. This discovery highlights the precision potential of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides for developing natural, targeted immune-enhancing nutraceuticals.

Reference

Li, Y., Yang, X., Yang, W., Bian, Z., Fang, J., Zhao, A., Bao, X., Niu, S., Bai, J., Zheng, Y., Liu, S., & Guo, J. (2025). Physicochemical characterization and immune activity of water-extract polysaccharides by stepwise ethanol precipitation from wild Cordyceps sinensis. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 12(1), 148. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40538-025-00866-z

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