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Published on: September 1, 2023
Potentiation of intestinal immunity by micellary mushroom extracts
Jiwei Shen1, Hongwei Ren, Chikako Tomiyama-Miyaji
1Department of Immunology, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Japan.
Abstract:
Mushroom (shiitake) extracts were dispersed with lecithin micelles to prepare superfine particles (0.05 to 0.2 microm in diameter) of beta-1,3-glucan (micellary mushroom extracts). When mice were fed with these micelles of beta-glucan (0.75 mg/day/mouse, smaller amounts of beta-glucan), the number of lymphocytes yielded by the small intestine increased by up to 40%. More interestingly, the ratio of CD8alphabeta(+)TCRalphabeta(+) cells/CD8alphaalpha(+)TCRalphabeta(+) cells increased prominently. In parallel with this deviation in the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, tumor cytotoxicity against P815 cells and cytokine productions were also augmented. In other words, phylogenetically developed lymphocytes (CD8alphabeta(+), TCRalphabeta(+)) were much more effectively activated by the oral administration of micellary beta-glucan. These results suggest that smaller amounts of micellary beta-glucan might be useful for the potentiation of intestinal immunity.
Insights
Micellary beta-glucan from shiitake mushroom extracts enhances intestinal immunity by increasing lymphocytes and boosting immune cell activity. This suggests potential for oral use to strengthen gut defenses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Beta-1,3-glucan is a polysaccharide found in mushrooms with known immunomodulatory properties.
- Traditional extracts may have limited bioavailability for optimal immune potentiation.
- Developing novel delivery systems can enhance the efficacy of bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunopotentiating effects of orally administered micellary beta-1,3-glucan derived from shiitake mushroom extracts.
- To determine the impact of these superfine particles on intestinal lymphocyte populations and function.
- To explore the potential of micellary beta-glucan for enhancing gut-mediated immunity.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of superfine beta-1,3-glucan particles (0.05-0.2 microm) using lecithin micelles from shiitake mushroom extracts.
- Oral administration of micellary beta-glucan to mice at a dose of 0.75 mg/day/mouse.
- Analysis of intestinal lymphocyte populations, including CD8alphabeta(+)TCRalphabeta(+) and CD8alphaalpha(+)TCRalphabeta(+) cells.
- Assessment of tumor cytotoxicity against P815 cells and cytokine production.
Main Results:
- Oral administration of micellary beta-glucan significantly increased the number of intestinal lymphocytes by up to 40%.
- A prominent increase in the ratio of CD8alphabeta(+)TCRalphabeta(+) cells to CD8alphaalpha(+)TCRalphabeta(+) cells was observed.
- Enhanced tumor cytotoxicity and augmented cytokine production were noted, indicating potent immune activation.
- Phylogenetically developed lymphocytes showed more effective activation via oral micellary beta-glucan administration.
Conclusions:
- Micellary beta-glucan from shiitake mushroom extracts effectively potentiates intestinal immunity.
- The superfine particle formulation enhances the bioavailability and immune-stimulating activity of beta-glucan.
- These findings suggest that micellary beta-glucan holds promise for improving gut health and immune function through oral administration.
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