Polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei stimulate lymphocyte T-cell subsets in mice

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Mycology

Background:

• The Agaricus blazei mushroom is recognized for its potential health benefits.
• Certain polysaccharides, like alpha-glucans, have demonstrated anti-tumor properties.
• Immune cell modulation, particularly T-cells, is crucial for cancer prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a hot water-soluble fraction from Agaricus blazei.
• To identify the active components responsible for these effects.
• To explore the potential of Agaricus blazei as a cancer prophylactic agent.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of Agaricus blazei fraction to mice.
• Flow cytometry analysis of splenic lymphocytes to quantify T-cell subsets (pan T-cells, CD4+ helper T-cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells).
• Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C-NMR) spectroscopy to determine the chemical structure of the active polysaccharide.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in the percentages of pan T-cells (Thy1.2+), CD4+ helper T-cells (L3T4+), and CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells (Lyt2+) in mice treated with Agaricus blazei extract compared to controls.
• 13C-NMR data identified the main active component as a complex of alpha-1,6- and alpha-1,4-glucan.
• This glucan complex was previously shown to possess anti-tumor activity against Sarcoma 180.

Conclusions:

• The hot water-soluble fraction of Agaricus blazei effectively stimulates T-lymphocyte populations, including cytotoxic T-cells.
• The identified alpha-glucan complex is likely responsible for the observed immunomodulatory and potential anti-tumor effects.
• Agaricus blazei shows promise as a natural prophylactic agent for cancer prevention through immune system enhancement.