Research Keyword: innate immunity

Synergistic immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages of a medicinal mushroom formulation consisting of Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake

Researchers studied a combination of three medicinal mushroom extracts to see if they work better together than separately. They tested this formula on human immune cells called macrophages and found that the combination was significantly more powerful at boosting immune responses than any single mushroom extract alone. This synergistic effect means the three mushrooms enhance each other’s immune-stimulating properties, suggesting this formula combination could have potential therapeutic benefits for immune support.

Read More »

Tumor-associated macrophages in tumor progression and the role of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating TAMs to enhance antitumor effects

This review explains how tumor-associated macrophages (immune cells) can either fight or help cancer depending on their type. Traditional Chinese Medicine contains compounds that can reprogram these macrophages to fight cancer more effectively. By shifting macrophages from a cancer-supporting state to a cancer-fighting state, TCM treatments could enhance the body’s natural ability to combat tumors and reduce side effects of conventional cancer therapies.

Read More »

Bibliometric analysis of traditional Chinese medicine for viral infections through immune modulation (2015–2025)

This research analyzed over 3,300 scientific papers published between 2015-2025 to understand how traditional Chinese medicine helps fight viral infections by boosting the immune system. The study found that research on this topic has grown significantly, especially during disease outbreaks like COVID-19, with China leading in research publications. Key findings show that traditional Chinese herbal compounds work through multiple mechanisms including directly fighting viruses, reducing excessive inflammation, and enhancing vaccine effectiveness. The research points toward promising future applications of traditional Chinese medicine when combined with modern medical approaches.

Read More »

Evaluation of Immune Modulation by β-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial

A study tested whether a supplement made from Reishi mushroom could boost immune system function in healthy adults. Over 84 days, people taking the Reishi β-glucan supplement showed significant improvements in immune cells and antibodies compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement was safe and well-tolerated with no negative side effects, suggesting it may help strengthen the body’s natural defenses against infections.

Read More »

Fungal communities in Florida salt marsh mosquito midguts vary between species and over time but have low structure

Researchers studied the fungi living in the guts of three types of Florida salt marsh mosquitoes. They found that all mosquitoes carried high amounts of a common environmental yeast called Rhodotorula lamellibrachiae. The type of mosquito species mattered more than the time of year for determining which fungi were present. Unlike bacterial communities in mosquitoes, the fungal communities appeared to assemble somewhat randomly rather than following organized patterns.

Read More »

Immune regulatory functions of biologically active proteins from edible fungi

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.

Read More »

Fusarium Corneal Abscess: A Case Report

A 20-year-old healthy patient developed a serious fungal eye infection caused by Fusarium, a common soil fungus, despite having no typical risk factors like eye trauma or contact lens wear. The infection created an abscess (collection of pus) in the cornea and threatened the patient’s vision. Doctors used a combination of antifungal medications and eventually transplanted amniotic membrane tissue to prevent the cornea from rupturing, preserving the patient’s eyesight.

Read More »

The dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei: An opportunistic killer in Southeast Asia

Talaromyces marneffei is a dangerous fungus found in Southeast Asian soils that causes serious lung infections when people breathe in its spores. The fungus has a clever trick: it transforms into different forms depending on temperature and hides inside immune cells by tricking them. People with weak immune systems, particularly those with advanced HIV/AIDS or certain genetic conditions, are most vulnerable to severe disease.

Read More »

Dectin-1 and dectin-2 drive protection against Sporothrix brasiliensis in experimental sporotrichosis

Scientists studied how the immune system fights a dangerous fungal infection called sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis. They found that two immune receptors called dectin-1 and dectin-2 are crucial for fighting this infection by activating specific killer T cells and preventing immune suppression. Unlike what was previously thought, these receptors don’t work mainly by triggering inflammation, but rather by fine-tuning the balance of different immune cell types. This discovery could help develop new treatments for this emerging fungal disease.

Read More »
Scroll to Top