Ergothioneine, a sulfur-containing micromolecular histidine derivative, has attracted increasing attention from scholars since it was confirmed in the human body. In the human body, ergothioneine is transported and accumulated specifically through OCTN-1, especially in the mitochondria and nucleus, suggesting that it can target damaged cells and tissues as an antioxidant. It shows excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-aging properties, and inhibits melanin production. It is a mega antioxidant that may participate in the antioxidant network system and promote the reducing glutathione regeneration cycle. This review summarizes studies on the antioxidant effects of ergothioneine on various free radicals in vitro to date and systematically introduces its biological activities and potential mechanisms, mostly in dermatology. Additionally, the application of ergothioneine in cosmetics is briefly summarized. Lastly, we propose some problems that require solutions to understand the mechanism of action of ergothioneine. We believe that ergothioneine has good prospects in the food and cosmetics industries, and can thus meet some needs of the health and beauty industry.

In this study, polysaccharide–rich Nymphaea hybrid extracts (NHE) were obtained using the ultrasound-assisted cellulase extraction (UCE) method optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The structural properties and thermal stability of NHE were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT–IR), high–performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thermogravimetry–derivative thermogravimetry (TG–DTG) analysis, respectively. Moreover, the bioactivities of NHE, including the antioxidant, anti–inflammatory, whitening and scratch healing activities were evaluated by different in vitro assays. NHE conveyed a good ability to scavenge against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and inhibit the hyaluronidase activity. NHE can effectively protect the HaCaT cells against oxidative damage by inhibiting the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the H₂O₂ stimulation assays and promoting the proliferation and migration in the scratch assays. In addition, NHE was proven to inhibit melanin production in B16 cells. Collectively, the above results seem to be the evidence needed to promote the potential of NHE to be regarded as a new functional raw material in the cosmetics or food industries.

Background /Objectives: Cyclic dinucleotide stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists have emerged as potential agents in cancer immunotherapy, but their clinical applications are limited by relatively poor pharmacokinetic properties. Methods: A luciferase reporter assay was employed to screen delivery peptides capable of promoting cellular activating effect of cyclic dinucleotide STING agonists. The potent candidates were further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting analysis. Colon and melanoma cancer mouse models were used to examine the antitumor efficacy of the delivery peptides with cyclic GMP–AMP (cGAMP) as a therapeutic agents or vaccine adjuvant. Results: We identify a class of STING agonist delivery peptides that efficiently facilitate cytosolic delivery of cyclic dinucleotide STING agonists and promote STING activation by forming peptide coacervates. Intratumoral administration of Sti3-4A and cGAMP effectively suppressed tumor growth and promoted antitumor immune response. Furthermore, the conjugation of tumor-specific antigen peptides with Sti3-4A promoted cytosolic co-delivery of antigen peptides and cGAMP, thus significantly boosting APC maturation, antigen cross-presentation, and T cell responses to peptide antigens. Prophylactic and therapeutic immunization with the conjugated peptides and cGAMP inhibited tumor growth in multiple murine tumor models. Conclusion: These findings establish STING agonist delivery peptides as a versatile platform for cancer immunotherapy.