[#2005-03] Maitake, Lull, Cristina et al. Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulating Properties of Fungal Metabolites

Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulating Properties of Fungal Metabolites

Cristina Lull,¹ Harry J. Wichers,¹ and Huub F. J. Savelkoul²

¹Agrotechnology and Food Innovations, Wageningen University and Research Center, Bornsesteeg 59, 6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands

²Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University and Research Center, Marijkeweg 40, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands

Received 22 December 2004; accepted 25 January 2005

We discuss current information on the ability of extracts and isolated metabolites from mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Lentinus edodes (Shiitake), Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) and Grifola frondosa ( Maitake ) 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)-α, and interferon gamma (INF)-γ. In particular, the ability of selective mushroom extracts to modulate the differentiation capacity of CD4⁺ T cells to mature into TH1 and/or TH2 subsets will be discussed. As a consequence these extracts will have profound effects in particular diseases, like chronic autoimmune TH1-mediated or allergic TH2-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.