IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF POLYPHENOLIC EXTRACTS FROM STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS

Background: In recent years, strawberry has received much attention for its high nutritional value and potential benefits for human health due to its rich phytochemical profile and low observed toxicity1. Previous research has shown that polyphenols have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, diabetic, and neuroprotective properties2. However, their individual effects on different cell signalling pathways remain to be elucidated3. Aim: This study will aim to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of four strawberry cultivars (Marimbella, Red Sara, Gioelita, Melissa) in order to identify their potential anticancer role. Methods: Strawberry extracts were used to treat in vitro cellular models of THP1-derived macrophages induced with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Techniques as Western blot, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, Griess assay were additionally performed. Results. Given the strong interaction between immune cells and the tumour microenvironment in mediating the inflammatory response, we determined i) the release of specific pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators into the tumour microenvironment, ii) the inhibition of both nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and iii) the modulation of regulated cell death pathways (RCD) involved in inflammation. Conclusions: Defining the immunomodulatory effects induced by polyphenolic extracts of strawberry cultivars will provide useful information on the restoration of the compromised immune system in cancer. This scenario highlights the fundamental role of phenolic substances in exerting anti-tumour mechanisms.