title: Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immuno-modulation by Ganoderma lucidum.
abstract: Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. (Lingzhi or Reishi) has been used for a long time in China to prevent and treat various human diseases. G. lucidum polysaccharides extracted from G. lucidum are one of efficacious ingredient groups of G. lucidum. A number of reports have demonstrated that G. lucidum polysaccharides modulate immune function both in vivo and in vitro. The immuno-modulating effects of G. lucidum polysaccharides were extensive, including promoting the function of antigen-presenting cells, mononuclear phygocyte system, humoral immunity, and cellular immunity. Cellular and molecular mechanisms, possible receptors involved, and triggered signaling cascades have also been studied in vitro. However, whole animal experiments are still needed to further establish the mechanism of the immuno-modulating effects by G. lucidum. Evidence-based clinical trials are also needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center. linzb@public3.bta.net.cn
authors.forename: Zhi-Bin
authors.initials: ZB
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D020940:Reishi / Q000737:chemistry; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D011134:Polysaccharides; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface