Trametes versicolor protein YZP activates regulatory B lymphocytes - gene identification through de novo assembly and function analysis in a murine acute colitis model

Characterization, Recombinant Production, and Bioactivity of a Novel Immunomodulatory Protein from Hypsizygus marmoreus

A novel fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP), identified as FIP-hma, was discovered in the genome of an edible mushroom Hypsizygus marmoreus. Bioinformatics analysis suggested FIP-hma contained the cerato-platanin (CP) conserved domain and was categorized into Cerato-type FIP. In phylogenetic analysis, FIP-hma was clustered into a new branch of the FIP family, displaying large system divergence from most of the other FIPs. The higher gene expression of FIP-hma was observed during the vegetative growth stages than that during the reproductive growth stages. In addition, the cDNA sequence of FIP-hma was cloned and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21(DE3). The recombinant protein of FIP-hma (rFIP-hma) was neatly purified and isolated by Ni-NTA and SUMO-Protease. The iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels of RAW 264.7 macrophages were upregulated by rFIP-hma, indicating its activation of an immune response by regulating central cytokines. No cytotoxic effects were observed in an MTT test. The findings of this work discovered a novel immunoregulatory protein from H. marmoreus, provided a systematic bioinformatic profile, suggested an effective approach for its heterologous recombinant production, and reported its potent immunoregulatory activity in macrophages. This study sheds light on the physiological function research of FIPs and their further industrial utilization.

COVID-19 and Cancer Diseases-The Potential of Coriolus versicolor Mushroom to Combat Global Health Challenges

Coriolus versicolor (CV) is a common species from the Polyporaceae family that has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over 2000 years. Among well-described and most active compounds identified in CV are polysaccharopeptides, such as polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and Polysaccharide-K (PSK, krestin), which, in some countries, are already used as an adjuvant agent in cancer therapy. In this paper, research advances in the field of anti-cancer and anti-viral action of CV are analyzed. The results of data obtained in in vitro and in vivo studies using animal models as well as in clinical research trials have been discussed. The present update provides a brief overview regarding the immunomodulatory effects of CV. A particular focus has been given to the mechanisms of direct effects of CV on cancer cells and angiogenesis. A potential use of CV compounds in anti-viral treatment, including therapy against COVID-19 disease, has also been analyzed based on the most recent literature. Additionally, the significance of fever in viral infection and cancer has been debated, providing evidence that CV affects this phenomenon.

Increasing the production of the bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms: an omics perspective

Macroscopic fungi, mainly higher basidiomycetes and some ascomycetes, are considered medicinal mushrooms and have long been used in different areas due to their pharmaceutically/nutritionally valuable bioactive compounds. However, the low production of these bioactive metabolites considerably limits the utilization of medicinal mushrooms both in commerce and clinical trials. As a result, many attempts, ranging from conventional methods to novel approaches, have been made to improve their production. The novel strategies include conducting omics investigations, constructing genome-scale metabolic models, and metabolic engineering. So far, genomics and the combined use of different omics studies are the most utilized omics analyses in medicinal mushroom research (both with 31% contribution), while metabolomics (with 4% contribution) is the least. This article is the first attempt for reviewing omics investigations in medicinal mushrooms with the ultimate aim of bioactive compound overproduction. In this regard, the role of these studies and systems biology in elucidating biosynthetic pathways of bioactive compounds and their contribution to metabolic engineering will be highlighted. Also, limitations of omics investigations and strategies for overcoming them will be provided in order to facilitate the overproduction of valuable bioactive metabolites in these valuable organisms.

Dual Effect of the Extract from the Fungus Coriolus versicolor on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cytokine Production in RAW 264.7 Macrophages Depending on the Lipopolysaccharide Concentration

Purpose

Extract from the fungus Coriolus versicolor (CV) is classified as an immunological response modifier. Previously, we have shown that this extract induces interleukin 6 (IL-6)-related extension of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fever. This study investigated the effect of CV extract on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the expression of components of signal transduction pathways leading to the secretion of cytokines from RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with different doses of LPS.

Methods

RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with CV extract alone or co-treated with CV extract and LPS. The level of IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the culture media was measured using ELISA. Protein expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, phosphorylated IκB (p-IκB), CD14 glycoprotein and phospho-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K) was evaluated using Western blot. The effects of TLR4, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and p-PI3K on cytokine secretion were estimated using inhibitors: TAK-242, JSH-23 and LY294002.

Results

CV extract itself stimulates the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α and increases the expression of TLR4, p-IκB and p-PI3K. The presence of CV extract during the treatment of cells with lower concentrations of LPS (10 and 100 ng/mL) increases the cytokine production. Co-stimulation of cells with CV extract and LPS at a higher dose (500 ng/mL) decreases the secretion of cytokines. This effect is related to the changes in the expression of TLR4, CD14 glycoprotein, p-IκB and p-PI3K.

Conclusion

This is the first report showing that the CV extract-induced production of cytokines is mediated by the PI3K signalling pathway. This extract acts antagonistically or additively with LPS on the production of IL-6 and TNF-α, depending on the LPS concentration. Our results are helpful for illustrating the mechanisms for the immunostimulatory effect of CV extract in inflammatory processes.

Curcumin as a Natural Modulator of B Lymphocytes: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Abstract:

B cells are the only player of humoral immune responses by the production of various types of antibodies. However, B cells are also involved in the pathogenesis of several immune-mediated diseases. Moreover, different types of B cell lymphoma have also been characterized. Selective depletion of B cells by anti-CD20 and other B cell-depleting agents in the clinic can improve a wide range of immune-mediated diseases. B cells' capacity to act as cytokine-producing cells explains how they can control immune cells' activity and contribute to disease pathogenesis. Thus, researchers investigated a safe, low-cost, and effective treatment modality for targeting B cells. In this respect, curcumin, the biologically active ingredient of turmeric, has a wide range of pharmacological activities. Evidence showed that curcumin could affect various immune cells, such as monocytes and macrophages, dendritic cells, and T lymphocytes. However, there are few pieces of evidence about the effects of curcumin on B cells. This study aims to review the available evidence about curcumin's modulatory effects on B cells' proliferation, differentiation, and function in different states. Apart from normal B cells, the modulatory effects of curcumin on B cell lymphoma will also discuss.

Nutraceutical potential of mushroom bioactive metabolites and their food functionality

Numerous mushroom bioactive metabolites, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been studied in life-threatening conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity attempting to identify natural therapies. These bioactive metabolites have shown potential as antiviral and immune system strengthener natural agents through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, widely available, and inexpensive. In light of the emerging literature, this paper compiles the most recent information describing the molecular mechanisms that underlie the nutraceutical potentials of these mushroom metabolites suggesting their effectiveness if combined with existing drug therapies while discussing the food functionality of mushrooms. The findings raise hope that these mushroom bioactive metabolites may be utilized as natural therapies considering their therapeutic potential while anticipating further research designing clinical trials and developing new drug therapies while encouraging their consumption as a natural adjuvant in preventing and controlling life-threatening conditions and diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are among the world's largest life-threatening conditions and diseases. Several mushroom bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been found potential in tackling these diseases through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, suggesting their use as nutraceutical foods in preventing and controlling these life-threatening conditions and diseases.

The Role of Regulatory B cells in Kidney Diseases

B cells, commonly regarded as proinflammatory antibody-producing cells, are detrimental to individuals with autoimmune diseases. However, in recent years, several studies have shown that regulatory B (Breg) cells, an immunosuppressive subset of B cells, may exert protective effects against autoimmune diseases by secretion of inhibitory cytokines such as IL-10. In practice, Breg cells are identified by their production of immune-regulatory cytokines, such as IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-35, however, no specific marker or Breg cell-specific transcription factor has been identified. Multiple phenotypes of Breg cells have been found, whose functions vary according to their phenotype. This review summarizes the discovery, phenotypes, development, and function of Breg cells and highlights their potential therapeutic value in kidney diseases.

Identification and Functional Characterization of a Novel Immunomodulatory Protein From Morchella conica SH

A novel fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP) was found in the precious medical and edible mushroom Morchella conica SH, defined as FIP-mco, which belongs to the FIP family. Phylogenetic analyses of FIPs from different origins were performed using Neighbor-Joining method. It was found that FIP-mco belonged to a new branch of the FIP family and may evolved from a different ancestor compared with most other FIPs. The cDNA sequence of FIP-mco was cloned and expressed in the yeast Pichia Pastoris X33. The recombinant protein of FIP-mco (rFIP-mco) was purified by agarose Ni chromatography and determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis. The protein rFIP-mco could significantly suppress the proliferation of A549 and HepG2 cells at the concentration of 15 and 5 μg/ml, respectively, and inhibited the migration and invasion of human A549 and HepG2 cells at the concentration of 15 and 30 μg/ml respectively in vitro. Further, rFIP-mco can significantly reduce the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the THP1 cells (human myeloid leukemia mononuclear cells). In order to explore the potential mechanism of the cytotoxicity effect of rFIP-mco on A549 and HepG2 cells, cell cycle and apoptosis assay in the two cancer cells were conducted. The results demonstrated that G0/G1 to S-phase arrest and increased apoptosis may contribute to the proliferation inhibition by rFIP-mco in the two cancer cells. Molecular mechanism of rFIP-mco's reduction effect on the inflammatory cytokines was also studied by suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. It showed that suppression of NF-κB signaling is responsible for the reduction of inflammatory cytokines by rFIP-mco. The results indicated the prospect of FIP-mco from M. conica SH as an effective and feasible source for cancer therapeutic studies and medical applications.

Regulatory B Cells and Its Role in Central Nervous System Inflammatory Demyelinating Diseases

Regulatory B (Breg) cells represent a population of suppressor B cells that participate in immunomodulatory processes and inhibition of excessive inflammation. The regulatory function of Breg cells have been demonstrated in mice and human with inflammatory diseases, cancer, after transplantation, and particularly in autoinflammatory disorders. In order to suppress inflammation, Breg cells produce anti-inflammatory mediators, induce death ligand-mediated apoptosis, and regulate many kinds of immune cells such as suppressing the proliferation and differentiation of effector T cell and increasing the number of regulatory T cells. Central nervous system Inflammatory demyelinating diseases (CNS IDDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders, which occur against the background of an acute or chronic inflammatory process. With the advent of monoclonal antibodies directed against B cells, breakthroughs have been made in the treatment of CNS IDDs. Therefore, the number and function of B cells in IDDs have attracted attention. Meanwhile, increasing number of studies have confirmed that Breg cells play a role in alleviating autoimmune diseases, and treatment with Breg cells has also been proposed as a new therapeutic direction. In this review, we focus on the understanding of the development and function of Breg cells and on the diversification of Breg cells in CNS IDDs.

Current Understanding of the Structure and Function of Fungal Immunomodulatory Proteins

Fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs) are a group of proteins found in fungi, which are extensively studied for their immunomodulatory activity. Currently, more than 38 types of FIPs have been described. Based on their conserved structure and protein identity, FIPs can be classified into five subgroups: Fve-type FIPs (Pfam PF09259), Cerato-type FIPs (Pfam PF07249), PCP-like FIPs, TFP-like FIPs, and unclassified FIPs. Among the five subgroups, Fve-type FIPs are the most studied for their hemagglutinating, immunomodulating, and anti-cancer properties. In general, these small proteins consist of 110–125 amino acids, with a molecular weight of ~13 kDa. The other four subgroups are relatively less studied, but also show a noticeable influence on immune cells. In this review, we summarized the protein modifications, 3-dimensional structures and bioactivities of all types of FIPs. Moreover, structure-function relationship of FIPs has been discussed, including relationship between carbohydrate binding module and hemagglutination, correlation of oligomerization and cytokine induction, relevance of glycosylation and lymphocyte activation. This summary and discussion may help gain comprehensive understanding of FIPs' working mechanisms and scope future studies.

Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy

Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél. is a higher fungi or mushroom which is now known by its accepted scientific name as Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (family Polyporaceae). The polysaccharides, primarily two commercial products from China and Japan as PSP and PSK, respectively, have been claimed to serve as adjuvant therapy for cancer. In this paper, research advances in this field, including direct cytotoxicity in cancer cells and immunostimulatory effects, are scrutinised at three levels: in vitro, in vivo and clinical outcomes. The level of activity in the various cancers, key targets (both in cancer and immune cells) and pharmacological efficacies are discussed.

Activation of IL-10+ B cells: A novel immunomodulatory mechanism for therapeutic bacterial suspensions

Objectives:

Bacterial components are used to improve immune responses in patients with respiratory infections. Pharmacological formulations of bacterial components include a mixture of bacterial antigens, some of which are complete inactivated bacteria, that is, named bacterial suspensions; while others are fragments of bacteria, which are presented as bacterial lysates. Although bacterial lysates have been broadly used as immune-stimulators, the biological support for the therapeutic effectiveness of bacterial suspension has not yet been studied. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the immunological activity induced by bacterial suspension.

Methods:

This work was an exploratory translational study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from healthy donors and cultured in time–dose dependent assays with a commercial bacterial suspension. Flow cytometry was used for phenotypic analysis and for determining soluble cytokines in culture supernatants.

Results:

We observed that bacterial suspension activates B cells in a dose-dependent manner. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were able to secrete IL-6 and IL-10 after 24 h of bacterial suspension stimulation. TLR2 expression was observed mainly on CD19+ CD38^Lo B cells after 72 h of culture; remarkably, most of the TLR2+ CD19+ cells were also IL-10+.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that bacterial suspension induces the activation of B cell subsets as well as the secretion of IL-6 and IL-10. Expression of TLR2 on CD19+ cells could act as an activation loop of IL-10+ B regulatory cells. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed at the end of this article.

Medicinal mushrooms as an attractive new source of natural compounds for future cancer therapy

Medicinal mushrooms have been used throughout the history of mankind for treatment of various diseases including cancer. Nowadays they have been intensively studied in order to reveal the chemical nature and mechanisms of action of their biomedical capacity. Targeted treatment of cancer, non-harmful for healthy tissues, has become a desired goal in recent decades and compounds of fungal origin provide a vast reservoir of potential innovational drugs. Here, on example of four mushrooms common for use in Asian and Far Eastern folk medicine we demonstrate the complex and multilevel nature of their anticancer potential, basing upon different groups of compounds that can simultaneously target diverse biological processes relevant for cancer treatment, focusing on targeted approaches specific to malignant tissues. We show that some aspects of fungotherapy of tumors are studied relatively well, while others are still waiting to be fully unraveled. We also pay attention to the cancer types that are especially susceptible to the fungal treatments.

Medicinal properties of fungi occurring on Betula sp. trees. A review

The article presents the chemical costituents and pharmacological properties of polyporoid fungi found on birch, namely Piptoporus betulinus, Inonotus obliquus, Lenzites betulina, Fomes fomentarius, and Trametes versicolor. The in vitro and in vivo studies on the effect of different extracts from above-mentioned fungi on the human organism shown anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and immunostimulant activity, conditioned by the presence of such compounds as polysaccharides, polyphenols or terpenes. These fungi are commonly found in Poland and may superbly compete with Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) or Lentinula edodes (Shitake) used in Asia for medicinal purposes.

Regulatory B10 cells play a protective role in severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

B10 cells are specific B cell subsets with the capacity of producing IL-10 to inhibit immune responses. Several studies have demonstrated that B10 cells are correlated with some immune and inflammatory diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), collagen-induced arthritis (CA), colitis and contact hypersensitivity. However, its role in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has not been clearly demonstrated yet.

PURPOSE

In this study, we show that B10 cells can inhibit inflammation of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood from 17 patients with SAP and 22 age-matched healthy volunteers were collected to detect the proportion of B10 cells. CD19-/- mice were used as B10 cell-deficient mice. Amylase and lipase levels, pancreatic edema and HE staining were tested to assess the severity of SAP.

RESULTS

CD19-/- mice, which lack B10 cells, suffered a more severe inflammation in pancreas compared with wild-type mice after caerulein injection. The frequency of B10 cells was decreased both in SAP patients and SAP animal models. Adoptive transfer of B10 cells ameliorates inflammatory injury of pancreatitis in CD19-/- mice.

CONCLUSION

Thus, we identified B10 cells as a protective factor for SAP and provided a novel target for SAP treatment.

Molecular cloning of a Poria cocos protein that activates Th1 immune response and allays Th2 cytokine and IgE production in a murine atopic dermatitis model

Edible fungus Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf is a cooking material that has myriad health benefits. However, its active constituents have not been well-defined. We previously purified an immunomodulatory protein, PCP, from P. cocos and described its biochemical features and its ability to activate primary macrophage via TLR4. In this study, we cloned the gene of PCP and demonstrated its ability to activate Th1 response in cell cultures and in mice. The complete cDNA sequence of PCP consisted of 807 bp, which included a 579 bp coding sequence that encoded 194 amino acids. With the addition of co-stimulatory CD3/CD28 signals, PCP significantly increased the surface expression of CD44 and CD69 on effector T cells. PCP could also up-regulate T-bet and STAT4 expressions and IFN-γ and IL-2 secretions. Oral administration of PCP suppressed the production of both total and OVA-specific IgG1 in serum and enhanced the amounts of serum and OVA-specific IgG2a and Th1-related cytokine production in BALB/c splenocytes. In addition, oral administration of PCP significantly reduced IL-4 and IgE expressions in a murine model of atopic dermatitis. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that PCP could regulate mammalian immune cells and reveal their pharmaceutical potential in developing therapeutic strategies against Th2-mediated immune disorders.

Characterization of a novel maitake (Grifola frondosa) protein that activates natural killer and dendritic cells and enhances antitumor immunity in mice

Grifola frondosa, also known as maitake, is a culinary mushroom with immune-enhancing and antitumor effects. Numerous studies have investigated the activity of maitake polysaccharide extracts, but studies of maitake proteins are scarce. In this study, we purified and characterized a new G. frondosa protein, GFP, from maitake fruiting bodies. GFP is a nonglucan heterodimeric 83 kDa protein that consists of two 41 kDa subunits. GFP induced interferon-γ secretion by murine splenocytes and natural killer cells and activated the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) via a TLR4-dependent mechanism. GFP-treated BMDCs promoted a Th1 response and exhibited significant antitumor activity when transferred into tumor-bearing mice. In conclusion, we are the first to reveal the critical role of GFP in modulating the immune response and to link the immune-enhancing effects of maitake to its antitumor activities.