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Marine Drugs
Special Issues
Immunomodulatory Activities of Marine Products
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Immunomodulatory Activities of Marine Products

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2025) | Viewed by 5844

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Woo Jung Park

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Marine Food Science and Technology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
Interests: the functional materials from marine organisms; the functional marine lipids and fatty acids; immune regulation and anti-inflammation; eicosanoid and immune regulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Homeostasis for the immune system is critical to maintaining cellular processes, and diverse bio-functional materials have been developed for human physiology associated with immunity. Immune cells such as macrophages and NK cells prevent host infection and erase cancer cells, correlated with immune regulation in cancer therapy. Immune-associated organs like the spleen and thymus include immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages with B and T lymphocyte cells for immune modulation, and the immune biomarkers show the immune status.

Recently, marine natural products have received considerable attention because of their bio-functional activity for immune regulation, and a variety of marine sources such as starfish, seaweed, sea cucumber, and sea squirt have been researched to modulate immune systems and to protect against many chronic diseases and physiological problems for human health.

Dr. Woo Jung Park
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • marine natural products
  • immune modulation/regulation
  • biological activity
  • immune function
  • functional marine materials
  • marine extracts
  • marine organisms
  • anti-inflammation
  • physiological regulation
  • human immune health

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 807 KB  
Article
Phycobiliprotein Extract from Arthrospira platensis Boosts Immune Function in Pacific Oysters (Magallana gigas)
by Aleksandra Andreyeva, Tatyana Kukhareva, Anastasiya Tkachuk, Maria Podolskaya, Elina Chelebieva and Andrey Borovkov
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(9), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23090355 - 10 Sep 2025
Viewed by 70
Abstract
The utilization of functional feeds in oyster hatcheries to reduce disease-related issues and improve health in the prespawning period is expected to become essential in the near future. In the present study, an aqueous extract of phycobiliproteins (CBPs) sourced from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira [...] Read more.
The utilization of functional feeds in oyster hatcheries to reduce disease-related issues and improve health in the prespawning period is expected to become essential in the near future. In the present study, an aqueous extract of phycobiliproteins (CBPs) sourced from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis was tested as an immunomodulatory agent in the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas). Adult oysters were given three distinct treatments with the aqueous extract of CBPs (2, 20 or 80 μg/mL) for 24–96 h. In vivo analysis demonstrated that the extract of CBPs enhanced phagocytosis, lysosomal content and mitochondrial membrane potential levels, but inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species in hemocytes of oysters. Higher concentrations of the extract (80 μg/mL) had a more rapid effect on phagocytosis, with significant differences found after the first 24 h of the experiment. Lower concentrations of the extract (2 μg/mL) enhanced the phagocytic activity of hemocytes at later stages of its administration. Additionally, the expression profiles of the hsp70 and hsp90 genes were monitored in gills from oysters exposed to the extract at concentrations of 2, 20 and 200 μg/mL for 48 h, considering their roles in regulating the innate immune system in bivalves. The results show that hsp70 expression was down-regulated during the first 24 h of administration, whereas it recovered to control levels after 48 h. In contrast, the expression levels of hsp90 were up-regulated throughout the entire period of extract administration. Combined, the results of the present study show that the aqueous extract of CBPs from A. platensis can rapidly enhance the cellular immune response in Pacific oysters, and could potentially be used as an immunomodulator in bivalve hatcheries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunomodulatory Activities of Marine Products)
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19 pages, 15212 KB  
Article
The Alkaloid Caulerpin Exhibits Potent and Selective Anti-Inflammatory Activity Through Interaction with the Glucocorticoid Receptor
by Jônatas Sousa Pires dos Santos, Dahara Keyse Carvalho Silva, Vanessa da Silva Oliveira, Sergio Santos Silva Junior, Edivaldo dos Santos Rodrigues, Claudia Valeria Campos de Souza, Sabrina Teixeira Martinez, Osvaldo Andrade Santos-Filho, Cássio Santana Meira and Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(6), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23060232 - 29 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1005
Abstract
Inflammation plays a central role in various pathological conditions, necessitating the search for safer and more effective anti-inflammatory agents. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory activity of caulerpin, a bisindolic alkaloid isolated from Caulerpa racemosa. In vitro assays demonstrated that caulerpin significantly reduced [...] Read more.
Inflammation plays a central role in various pathological conditions, necessitating the search for safer and more effective anti-inflammatory agents. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory activity of caulerpin, a bisindolic alkaloid isolated from Caulerpa racemosa. In vitro assays demonstrated that caulerpin significantly reduced nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 levels in macrophages stimulated with LPS + IFN-γ, without affecting cell viability. In silico toxicity predictions using Protox 3.0 reinforce a favorable safety profile of caulerpin. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed its high-affinity binding to the glucocorticoid receptor ligand-binding domain (GR-LBD), suggesting a mechanism of action similar to dexamethasone. The involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor was confirmed by the partial reversal of caulerpin’s effects upon RU486 treatment. In vivo, caulerpin exhibited a favorable safety profile, with no signs of acute toxicity at an oral dose of 100 mg/kg. Moreover, in a mouse model of endotoxic shock, caulerpin administration significantly improved survival rates in a dose-dependent manner, providing complete protection at 4 mg/kg. These findings highlight caulerpin as a promising candidate for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies. Further studies are warranted to explore its pharmacokinetics, optimize its structure, and evaluate its efficacy in chronic inflammatory diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunomodulatory Activities of Marine Products)
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14 pages, 8504 KB  
Article
Lipids Extracted from Aptocyclus ventricosus Eggs Possess Immunoregulatory Effects on RAW264.7 Cells by Activating the MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
by Seul Gi Lee, Weerawan Rod-in, Jun Jae Jung, Seok Kyu Jung, Sang-min Lee and Woo Jung Park
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(8), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22080368 - 13 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1930
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancement properties of lipids derived from Aptocyclus ventricosus eggs on RAW264.7 cells. Firstly, we determined the fatty acid compositions of A. ventricosus lipids by performing gas chromatography analysis. The results showed that A. [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancement properties of lipids derived from Aptocyclus ventricosus eggs on RAW264.7 cells. Firstly, we determined the fatty acid compositions of A. ventricosus lipids by performing gas chromatography analysis. The results showed that A. ventricosus lipids contained saturated fatty acids (24.37%), monounsaturated fatty acids (20.90%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (54.73%). They also contained notably high levels of DHA (25.91%) and EPA (22.05%) among the total fatty acids. Our results for the immune-associated biomarkers showed that A. ventricosus lipids had immune-enhancing effects on RAW264.7 cells. At the maximum dose of 300 µg/mL, A. ventricosus lipids generated NO (119.53%) and showed greater phagocytosis (63.69%) ability as compared with untreated cells. A. ventricosus lipids also upregulated the expression of iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α genes and effectively upregulated the phosphorylation of MAPK (JNK, p38, and ERK) and NF-κB p65, indicating that these lipids could activate the MAPK and NF-κB pathways to stimulate macrophages in the immune system. Besides their immune-enhancing abilities, A. ventricosus lipids significantly inhibited LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammatory responses via the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. The results indicated that these lipids significantly reduced LPS-induced NO production, showing a decrease from 86.95% to 38.89%. Additionally, these lipids downregulated the expression of genes associated with the immune response and strongly suppressed the CD86 molecule on the cell surface, which reduced from 39.25% to 33.80%. Collectively, these findings imply that lipids extracted from A. ventricosus eggs might have biological immunoregulatory effects. Thus, they might be considered promising immunomodulatory drugs and functional foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunomodulatory Activities of Marine Products)
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Review

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28 pages, 385 KB  
Review
The Beneficial Roles of Seaweed in Atopic Dermatitis
by Ah-Reum Kim, Myeong-Jin Kim, Jaeseong Seo, Kyoung Mi Moon and Bonggi Lee
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(12), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22120566 - 17 Dec 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2333
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe pruritus and recurrent flare-ups, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators, often provide symptomatic relief but can lead to adverse effects with prolonged use. Seaweed, [...] Read more.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe pruritus and recurrent flare-ups, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators, often provide symptomatic relief but can lead to adverse effects with prolonged use. Seaweed, a sustainable and nutrient-dense resource, has emerged as a promising alternative due to its rich bioactive compounds—polysaccharides, phlorotannins, polyphenols, and chlorophyll—that offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review explores the therapeutic potential of brown, red, and green algae in alleviating AD symptoms, highlighting the effects of specific species, including Undaria pinnatifida, Laminaria japonica, Chlorella vulgaris, and Sargassum horneri. These seaweeds modulate immune responses, reduce epidermal thickness, and restore skin barrier function, presenting a novel, safe, and effective approach to AD management. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and establish dosing strategies, paving the way for seaweed-derived therapies as natural alternatives in AD treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunomodulatory Activities of Marine Products)
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