Research thoughts on tumor immune responses by polysaccharide of Chinese medicine via oral administration

Abstract

Tumor immunotherapy is one of the most significant scientific progresses. The idea of applying the traditional Chinese theory of "the balance of Yin and Yang" to treat cancer is in accordance with that of modern tumor immune strategy. Researches indicated that polysaccharide of Chinese medicine through regulation in immune responses could offer better paradigm for tumor immune treatment under the traditional Chinese theory. However, current studies related to tumor immunotherapy largely focus on the immunity enhancement while lack of the exploration of suppressive factors. Meanwhile, the complex analysis and detection on composition as well as structure definitely increase the difficulty in mechanism of oral absorption and function in vivo. To better exploit novel Chinese medicine of polysaccharide for tumor immune treatment, this article will provide some constructive thoughts on regulation of tumor immune responses based on up to date researches of structure-function relationship, absorbent process and molecular mechanisms responsible for tumor immune as well.