International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 89-97 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 93 4.2 Start the signal transmission channel After polysaccharides bind to receptors, they will activate important signal channels such as NF-κB and MAPK (Lee and Hong, 2011) Lee et al., 2015. These channels regulate immune responses and the production of cytokines. For example, CMP-III polysaccharides can simultaneously activate MAPK and NF-κB channels, thereby enhancing the clearance ability of macrophages and promoting the release of factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 (He et al., 2019). Similarly, CMPB90-1 polysaccharide must activate these two channels in order to effectively stimulate the immune system (Bi et al., 2018). 4.3 Network effects of immune regulation The effects of polysaccharides fromCordyceps sinensis are not limited to immune cells. They may also affect systems such as the nervous and endocrine systems, forming a comprehensive network effect (Zhang et al., 2009). For example, CMP-III and CMPB90-1 not only enhance the immune response, but also may have a regulatory effect on the overall physiological function (Bi et al., 2018; He et al., 2019). This suggests that polysaccharides have potential in maintaining homeostasis in the body and also supports their application prospects as functional foods or therapeutic agents. 5 Efficacy verification and Practical Application of Cordyceps Polysaccharides 5.1 Laboratory tests Experiments show that Cordyceps polysaccharides can effectively regulate the immune system. For example, Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide SDQCP-1 can enable macrophages to release signal molecules such as nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor - α, mainly promoting the transformation of macrophages to type M1 (Zhang et al., 2020). Similar studies also found that the polysaccharide CMPB90-1 extracted from Spiroweed can promote the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, enhance the attacking ability of natural killer cells (NK), and increase the secretion of interleukin-2 at the same time, proving its immunomodulatory potential (Bi et al., 2018). Another experiment confirmed that CMP-III can enhance the phagocytic ability of macrophages and promote the secretion of various inflammatory factors. This process is related to the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways (He et al., 2019). 5.2 Animal experiments The regulatory effect of polysaccharides on immunity was further confirmed through mouse experiments (Wang et al., 2012). For instance, Cordyceps sinensis spore extract CCSP-2 can enhance the vitality of macrophages, accelerate the growth of spleen cells, and help mice combat the weakened immunity caused by the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide (Zheng et al., 2022). This indicates that CCSP-2 may serve as a natural immune enhancer. Another study showed that CP2-c2-s2 extracted fromCaenorhabditis elegans could prolong the lifespan of the nematodes without affecting their reproductive capacity, indicating the possibility of delaying aging (Liu et al., 2016). 5.3 Human trials and application prospects Although the results of laboratory and animal experiments are positive, the safety and efficacy need to be confirmed through human trials. At present, there are relatively few relevant clinical data. However, existing immunomodulatory and antioxidant studies have shown that this type of polysaccharide has potential in the development of health food or drugs (Zhang et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2023). Its characteristic of being able to both regulate the immune response and enhance the antioxidant capacity makes it an important candidate material for dietary supplements and drug development (Bi et al., 2018; He et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2020). 6 Improvement and Application of the Immune Function of Cordyceps sinensis Polysaccharides 6.1 Improvement of extraction and purification technology The key to obtaining highly active Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides lies in the extraction and purification methods. Researchers have attempted various techniques to enhance the effect (Kuo et al., 2007; Bi et al., 2020. For example, polysaccharides were obtained from Cordyceps militaris by high-pressure hot water extraction
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