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IL-12 Production Induced by Agaricus blazei Fraction H (ABH) Involves Toll-like Receptor (TLR).
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|April 21, 2005
Summary
Agaricus blazei fraction H (ABH) activates immune cells, specifically monocytes/macrophages, by inducing IL-12 production via CD14/TLR4. This mushroom extract also enhances natural killer cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Traditional Medicine
Background:
- Agaricus blazei Murill is an edible fungus with documented medicinal properties.
- Its potential immunomodulatory effects warrant scientific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of hemicellulase-derived mycelia extract (Agaricus blazei fraction H: ABH) on the immune system.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying ABH's immune-modulating activity.
Main Methods:
- Assessing cytokine-inducing activity of ABH on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
- Utilizing flow cytometry to identify ABH-responsive cell populations (CD14-positive cells, monocytes/macrophages).
- Investigating the role of Toll-like receptors (TLR4, TLR2) and CD14 in ABH-mediated responses.
- Evaluating the impact of ABH on natural killer (NK) cell activity in vivo.
Main Results:
- ABH induced the expression of Interleukin-12 (IL-12) in PBMC, primarily by CD14-positive monocytes/macrophages.
- IL-12 production was dependent on CD14 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as indicated by antibody inhibition studies.
- ABH activity was not inhibited by polymyxin B, differentiating it from lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Oral administration of ABH enhanced splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity.
Conclusions:
- ABH activates monocytes/macrophages in a CD14/TLR4-dependent manner, leading to IL-12 production.
- ABH also enhances NK cell activity, suggesting a broad immunomodulatory effect.
- These findings highlight the potential of Agaricus blazei extract as an immune-enhancing agent.