Antiinflammatory and immunomodulating properties of fungal metabolites.
We discuss current information on the ability of extracts and isolated metabolites from mushrooms to modulate immune responses. This can result in a more enhanced innate and acquired disease resistance. The major immunomodulating effects of these active substances derived from mushrooms include mitogenicity and activation of immune effector cells, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells, resulting in the production of cytokines, including interleukins (ILs), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-alpha, and interferon gamma (INF)-gamma. In particular, the ability of selective mushroom extracts to modulate the differentiation capacity of CD4(+) T cells to mature into T(H)1 and/or T(H)2 subsets will be discussed. As a consequence these extracts will have profound effects in particular diseases, like chronic autoimmune T(H)1-mediated or allergic T(H)2-mediated diseases. Immunosuppressive effects by mushroom components have also been observed. The therapeutic effects of mushrooms, such as anticancer activity, suppression of autoimmune diseases, and allergy have been associated with their immunomodulating effects. However, further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanisms of the immunomodulating effects of mushrooms metabolites both individually and in complex mixtures, for example, extracts.
Lull
Cristina
C
Agrotechnology and Food Innovations, Wageningen University and Research Center, The Netherlands.
Wichers
Harry J
HJ
Savelkoul
Huub F J
HF
D000363:Agaricales / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000187:drug effects; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000378:metabolism
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D047071:beta-Glucans