title: Evaluation of fungal extracts to determine immunomodulatory properties.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Immunoglobulin E-mediated allergies have doubled in prevalence during recent decades in developed countries.This increase has been attributed, in part, to high hygiene standards, which have reduced exposure to microbes. The capacity of microbes to induce type 1 helper T cell (TH1) responses may imply suppression of TH2 responses. However, little research has been performed with fungal extracts.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the TH1-inducing properties of fungal extracts.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 24 fungal extracts, including Cetavlon-precipitated polysaccharides from different yeasts, molds, and mushrooms were prepared.The extracts were screened for production of interferon (IFN)gamma in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The active compounds were further purified by mild acid hydrolysis and by column chromatography and studied in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Expression of IFN-gamma was induced by several extracts. The strongest expression of IFN-gamma was induced by Candida albicans. The Cetavlon-precipitated mannans of fungi induced cytokine responses that were similar or superior to those induced by whole extracts, C albicans being the most potent inducer of IFN-gamma. Column chromatography-fractionated mild acid hydrolysis of Calbicans mannan was performed. Fractions containing oligosaccharides of 12-16 mannoses induced production of tumor necrosis factor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several fungal extracts induce IFN-gamma. The most promising preparations were yeast-derived oligosaccharides. Further research should be focused on purification and eventual synthesis of the extracts.
authors: Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Clinical Allergology, University of Turku, Finland.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Ranta
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Nieminen
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Saariaho
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Kortekangas-Savolainen
authors: E K
authors: EK
authors: Kumpula
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Kosonen
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Pasanen
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Savolainen
mesh_terms: D000363:Agaricales / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000077286:Cetrimonium; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds; D045424:Complex Mixtures / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003902:Detergents; D062610:Fungal Polysaccharides / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008351:Mannans / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008358:Mannose / Q000737:chemistry; D058408:Th1-Th2 Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D015003:Yeasts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds; D045424:Complex Mixtures; D003902:Detergents; D062610:Fungal Polysaccharides; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D008351:Mannans; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D008358:Mannose; D000077286:Cetrimonium