Enhancement of Thl immune response in mice by the ingestion of Suehirotake (Schizophyllum commune Fries) mycelium

The culture product of Suehirotake (Schizophyllum commune Fries) mycelium (SCP) is supposed to stimulate cellular immunity. In fact, Schizophyllan (beta-1,6-branched beta-1,3-glucan) contained in SCP has anti-tumor activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SCP feeding on cytokine production in mice in order to clarify the immunological effects of SCP as a dietary component. The levels of interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-gamma produced in the culture supernatant of spleen cells from SCP-fed mice were significantly high compared to those in control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the level of IFN-gamma was dependent on the dose of SCP. The level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was not changed by SCP-feeding. These results suggest that SCP could be useful food with immunomodulating activities by promoting Th 1 immune response via oral route.