Soluble components of Hericium erinaceum induce NK cell activation via production of interleukin-12 in mice splenocytes

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the immunoregulatory functions of water extracts of Hericium erinaceum (WEHE) focusing on natural killer (NK) cell-based anticancer activities. Methods: Mouse splenocytes or purely isolated NK cells were stimulated with 1-100 mg/L WEHE for 24 h followed by co-culture with 51 Cr-labled Yac-1 cells for 4 h, then NK cell-derived cytolytic activity was measured using a radio-release assay. Neutralizing antibodies against mouse interleukin-12 (IL-12) were added into the WEHE-stimulated splenocytes, thereafter, cytotoxicity was measured to examine the involvement of IL-12. RT-PCR and ELISA analyses were performed to confirm the induction of transcription and the translation of IL-12 and interferongamma (IFN-gamma) in the WEHE-treated splenocytes. Results: WEHE enhanced the cytolytic activity of total splenocytes towards Yac-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, this activation was not observed when the NK cells isolated from the splenocytes were treated with WEHE. Furthermore, the treatment with antibodies against IL-12 abolished the effect of WEHE on splenocyte-derived cytolytic activity. RT-PCR and ELISA analyses showed the induction of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in the WEHE-treated splenocytes. Conclusion: WEHE indirectly activates the cytolytic ability of NK cells via the induction of IL-12 in total splenocytes, and possibly via other immuno-mediators or cellular components.

A smaller particle size improved the oral bioavailability of monkey head mushroom, Hericium erinaceum, powder resulting in enhancement of the immune response and disease resistance of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

“…These components were shown to have great biological activities including immunomodulatory functions. A water extract of H. erinaceum induced the production of nitric oxide (NO) through augmented expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) [12], increased interleukin (IL)-1b expression in murine macrophages [13], and the cytolytic activities of natural killer cells via the induction of IL-12 in mice [14]. Polysaccharides isolated from H. erinaceum have tumoricidal effects and immuno-enhancing activities [15,16].…”

Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake

“…erinaceus (Lion's mane mushroom), a wellknown edible mushroom, has been used as traditional medicine in several Asian countries to treat various human diseases. The compounds isolated from its fruiting bodies contain numerous biological activities, such as anti-tumor (18), hypolipidemic (26), hemagglutinating (17), cytotoxic (25), anti-microbial (27), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-suppressive (20,24), and antioxidant activities (3). Especially, it has been reported that hericenones (11,12,13) and erinacines (4,15,16) stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in cultured astrocytes.…”

Hericium erinaceus: properties mostly related to the secretion of neuronal growth factor

“…Il augmente l'activité NK [74] et induit la sécrétion d'IL1 en augmentant les voies AP-1 et NF-kappa B [63].…”