IL-12 Production Induced by Agaricus blazei Fraction H (ABH) Involves Toll-like Receptor (TLR). Issue 3 (2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kasai, H.; He, L. M.; Kawamura, M.; Yang, P. T.; Deng, X. W.; Munkanta, M.; Yamashita, A.; Terunuma, H.; Hirama, M.; Horiuchi, I.; Natori, T.; Koga, T.; Amano, Y.; Yamaguchi, N.; Ito, M.
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Volume 1:Issue 3(2004)
• Publication Date: 2004
• Subjects: Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.505
• DOI: 10.1093/ecam/neh043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-427X

Abstract

Abstract : Agaricus blazei Murill is an edible fungus used in traditional medicine, which has various well-documented medicinal properties. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hemicellulase-derived mycelia extract (Agaricus blazei fraction H: ABH) on the immune system. First, we examined the cytokine-inducing activity of ABH on human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC). The results indicated that ABH induced expression of IL-12, a cytokine known to be a critical regulator of cellular immune responses. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the induction of IL-12 production by the CD14-positive cell population, consisting of monocytes/macrophages (Mo/Mφ). Furthermore, the elimination of Mo/Mφ attenuated IL-12 production in PBMC. ABH-induced IL-12 production was inhibited by anti-CD14 and anti-TLR4 antibodies but not by anti-TLR2 antibody. The activity of ABH was not inhibited by polymyxin B, while the activity of lipopolysaccharide used as a reference was inhibited. Oral administration of ABH enhanced natural killer (NK) activity in the spleen. These findings suggest that ABH activated Mo/Mφ in a manner dependent on CD14/TLR4 and NK activity.