Immunomodulatory effects of extract of Ganoderma lucidum basidiocarps cultivated on alternative substrate

The aim of the study was to investigate if there are any differences in effects of extracts of commercially (GC) and alternatively (wheat straw) (GA) cultivated Ganoderma lucidum basidiocarps on properties of peritoneal macrophages (PM) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). GA extract stronger stimulated the metabolic and phagocytic activity of PMs, their adhesion capability and ability to produce ROS and NO compared to GC. Both tested extracts significantly increased allostimulatory and Th1 polarization capacity of simultaneous TLR3 and TLR7-activated MoDCs, but GA extract was more effective. The GA extract increased the production of ROS and NO by TLR4 stimulated PMs and up-regulated the production of certain cytokines as well as allostimulatory and Th1 polarization capacity of MoDCs. The GA extract could be a potent immunostimulatory agent for activation of MoDCs with the simultaneous engagement of TLRs that seems to be a promising strategy for preparation of DC-based anti-tumor vaccines.