Abstract
Fucoidan is known for its various biological activities, including immunomodulatory effects on immune cells. However, the effect of fucoidan on the functions of macrophages remains to be elucidated. The present study examined the effects of fucoidan on cytokine production and migration of THP‑1‑derived macrophages and its potential mechanisms. Fucoidan was added during the differentiation process of THP‑1‑derived macrophages along with lipopolysaccharide and interferon‑γ for 42 h, and then macrophages were harvested for functional assays. Fucoidan altered the morphology of THP‑1‑derived macrophages, and also attenuated their migration activity and pro‑inflammatory cytokine production. Additionally, THP‑1‑derived macrophages intensively produced colony‑stimulating factor‑1 (CSF‑1), which was significantly decreased by fucoidan. CSF‑1 neutralizing antibody attenuated the basic production level of pro‑inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Furthermore, when recombinant human CSF‑1 was added along with fucoidan, the attenuating effects of fucoidan on migration and cytokine production were significantly reversed. In conclusion, the present study suggests that macrophages appear to be a potential target in the immunomodulatory action of fucoidan, and CSF‑1 may be involved in this modulation.