Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
Published on: June 23, 2013
Differential Induction Pattern Towards Classically Activated Macrophages in Response to an Immunomodulatory Extract
Gabriel Llauradó Maury1, Humberto J Morris-Quevedo1,2, Annick Heykers3
1Centre of Studies for Industrial Biotechnology (CEBI), University of Oriente, Ave. Patricio Lumumba s/n, Reparto Jiménez, Santiago de Cuba 90500, Cuba.
Abstract:
Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom preparations have been investigated because of their ability to modulate the immune function. However, there is still no consensus regarding the activation and polarizing effect on macrophages by Pleurotus-derived bioproducts. This study examined the immune-activating effect of a mycelium-derived P. ostreatus aqueous extract (HW-Pm) on macrophage functions, by means of the determination of nitric oxide (NO) production, the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Arginase-1 and FIZZ and the cytokine levels. The phagocytic activity and the activation of NF-κB in U937 reporter cells were also investigated. No cytotoxicity was observed in macrophages treated with HW-Pm (IC50 > 1024 μg/mL) by the resazurin test. HW-Pm induced high levels of NO production and iNOS expression in macrophages. In contrast, HW-Pm did not induce Arginase-1 and FIZZ mRNA expressions. The mushroom extract increased TNF-α and IL-6 production and the phagocytic function in murine macrophages. It also stimulated the activation of the NF-κB promoter. The P. ostreatus mycelium extract has a potential application as a natural immune-enhancing agent, by targeting macrophage activation towards the classically activated subset and stimulating macrophage-mediated innate immune responses.
Insights
Oyster mushroom extract (HW-Pm) activates macrophages, boosting nitric oxide and cytokine production. This suggests potential for mushroom-derived bioproducts as natural immune-enhancing agents.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom preparations are studied for immune modulation.
- Consensus on macrophage activation by Pleurotus bioproducts is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immune-activating effects of a Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium extract (HW-Pm) on macrophage functions.
- To determine the impact of HW-Pm on nitric oxide (NO) production, specific gene expressions, cytokine levels, phagocytic activity, and NF-κB activation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed macrophage functions including NO production, mRNA expression (iNOS, Arginase-1, FIZZ), and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6).
- Evaluated phagocytic activity and NF-κB promoter activation in U937 reporter cells.
- Determined cytotoxicity using the resazurin test.
Main Results:
- HW-Pm showed no cytotoxicity (IC50 > 1024 μg/mL).
- Induced significant NO production and iNOS expression, but not Arginase-1 or FIZZ mRNA.
- Enhanced TNF-α and IL-6 production, phagocytic function, and NF-κB activation in macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium extract (HW-Pm) acts as a potent immune-enhancing agent.
- HW-Pm promotes classical macrophage activation and stimulates innate immune responses.
- Supports the potential application of P. ostreatus extracts in functional foods or therapeutics.
