Ganoderma Lucidum Induces the Expression of CD40/CD86 on Peripheral Blood Monocytes

The major immuno-modulating effects of Ganoderma lucidum includemitogenicity and activation of immune effector cells such as T cells, macrophages andnatural killer cells resulting in the production of cytokines. The purpose ofthis study was to evaluate the expression of CD40 and CD80 by G. lucidum-treated humanperipheral blood mononuclear cells. Monocytes were isolated and incubatedat 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 h and 48 h in the presence or absence of different concentrationsof G. lucidum. Cells were then incubated with labelled monoclonal antibodiesagainst CD14, CD40 and B7-1(CD80) molecules utilizing standard protocols, andanalyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that incubation of monocyteswith G. lucidum led to marked enhancement of CD40 and B7-1 expression in a doseandtime- dependent manner (p<0.001). G. lucidum was more effective in enhancing theexpression of CD80 and CD40 molecules of cells obtained from females than male donors(p<0.001). G. lucidum enhanced the expression of CD40 and CD80molecules on peripheral blood monocytic cells derived from both sexes in a dosedependentmanner, with a preferential higher effect on cells obtained from female donors.