cytokine production – mycolab.ai

Immunomodulatory Effects of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Immunoregulatory Products

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Mushrooms have been used for health for thousands of years and contain special compounds that help boost the immune system and fight cancer. Scientists have identified several key active ingredients in mushrooms like polysaccharides and proteins that can activate immune cells and reduce tumors. Some mushroom products like lentinan from shiitake mushrooms have already been approved as cancer treatments in Japan. While most evidence comes from lab studies, ongoing research suggests mushroom-based medicines could become important therapeutic options.

Immune regulatory functions of biologically active proteins from edible fungi

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This research compared how proteins from 22 different edible mushrooms affect immune system cells called macrophages. The study found that all the mushroom proteins tested boosted immune function by making macrophages more active and productive. Interestingly, expensive rare mushrooms like cordyceps and ganoderma lucidum had stronger immune-boosting effects than common grocery store mushrooms like oyster and button mushrooms.

Condition-dependent effects of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (Trikafta) on Aspergillus fumigatus growth

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Researchers studied how Trikafta, a new cystic fibrosis medication, affects Aspergillus fungus growth. While Trikafta doesn’t directly kill the fungus, it makes antifungal drugs more effective and improves patients’ lung function to help clear infections naturally. However, high concentrations of the drug may reduce the immune system’s ability to fight the fungus, suggesting careful monitoring of patients is needed.

Immunomodulatory function of chitosan is dependent on complement receptor 3

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This study reveals how the human immune system recognizes chitosan, a natural component found in the walls of disease-causing fungi like Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. Researchers discovered that immune cells use a protein called CR3 on their surface to detect and respond to chitosan by producing inflammatory chemicals that help fight infection. When chitosan works together with fungal proteins, it can boost the immune system’s response even more effectively, suggesting new ways to enhance immunity against fungal infections.

Natural Neuroinflammatory Modulators: Therapeutic Potential of Fungi-Derived Compounds in Selected Neurodegenerative Diseases

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This comprehensive review explores how compounds found in mushrooms could help treat serious brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Mushrooms contain natural substances such as certain carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that can reduce harmful inflammation in the brain and protect nerve cells from damage. Scientists have tested these mushroom-derived compounds in laboratory and animal models, finding they can improve memory, movement, and overall brain function. This research suggests mushrooms could become an important part of new treatments for these currently incurable neurological conditions.

Abundant Yet Aberrant T Helper Cell Responses to Candida albicans Underlie Mucosal Candidiasis in Humans and Mice

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Researchers studied how the immune system fights Candida albicans fungal infections. They found that a specific type of immune cell called Th17 cells is absolutely essential for controlling these infections, while other immune cells called Th2 cells actually make infections worse by blocking the protective Th17 cells. Patients with certain genetic mutations that affect how their immune system works have too many Th2 cells and not enough Th17 cells, making them vulnerable to chronic fungal infections. The study suggests that blocking a molecule called IL-4 could help restore the balance and improve patient outcomes.

Microfungus Podosphaera fusca and the Fungus-like Organism Peronospora ficariae as Potential Inhalant Allergens in a Mouse Model of Asthma

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Researchers studied two types of plant fungi that infect common vegetables and plants to determine if they could cause asthma in mice. They found that both organisms triggered immune responses similar to those caused by known allergens, producing inflammation and asthma-like symptoms. Although their effects were weaker than the reference allergen ovalbumin, both fungi showed significant potential as respiratory allergens. This research suggests these plant parasites should be recognized as possible triggers for asthma and allergic reactions in people.

Fluconazole worsened lung inflammation, partly through lung microbiome dysbiosis in mice with ovalbumin-induced asthma

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Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that works well for treating asthma caused by fungal infections, but may actually worsen asthma from other causes. In mice with allergic asthma, fluconazole killed beneficial bacteria and promoted the growth of harmful bacteria that increased inflammation. This study suggests that fluconazole should only be used for fungal-related asthma and careful monitoring is needed if used in patients with regular asthma.

Research Keyword: cytokine production