Lentinula edodes β-glucan enriched diet induces pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages in rabbit

ABSTRACTβ-glucans exhibited in cell walls of several pathogens as bacteria or fungi are sensed by pathogen recognition receptors such as scavenger receptors present in antigen presenting cells, i.e., macrophages. β-glucans obtained from Shiitake mushrooms were chemically characterized. A β-glucan supplemented diet was assayed for 30 days in rabbits aiming to characterize the immune response elicited in blood-derived macrophages. M1 and M2 profiles of macrophage differentiation were confirmed in rabbits by in vitro stimulation with IFN-γ and IL-4 and marker quantification of each differentiation pathway. Blood derived macrophages from rabbits administered in vivo with the β-glucan supplemented diet showed higher IL-4, IFN-γ and RAGE together with lower IL-10 relative expression, indicative of an ongoing immune response. Differences in IL-1β, IL-13 and IL-4 expression were also found in rabbit sera by ELISA suggesting further stimulation of the adaptive response. Recent challenges in the rabbit industry inc...