Levansucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NTM048 produces a levan exopolysaccharide with immunomodulating activity

Objectives A levansucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NTM048 was cloned and expressed and its enzymatic product was characterized. Results The fructansucrase gene from Leuconostoc mesenteroides was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli . The recombinant enzyme was purified as a single protein and its properties investigated. The polymer produced by the recombinant enzyme was identified as levan by various means including TLC and NMRs, and the enzyme was identified as a GH68 levansucrase. The enzyme was optimal at pH 5.5–6 and 30 °C, and its activity was stimulated by Ca 2+ . The levan produced by this strain induced IgA production in mice. Conclusion Leuconostoc mesenteroides , a probiotic strain, possessed levansucrase which catalyzed the produced levan that had immunomodulating activity.