The Immunomodulatory Effects of Metarhizium anisopliae Extract on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In addition to their role as entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium spp. are also present as endophytes within plants. Hence, plant-based food products may contain fungal residues, whose consumption may entail potential risks to human health. The current investigation explores the effects of direct exposure to a combination of extracellular metabolites derived from Metarhizium anisopliae ARSEF7487, with dtx A as the predominant destruxin (dtx), on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Although the treatment with M. anisopliae extracellular metabolite mixture at a concentration of 1 and 10 ng mL⁻ 1 was not found to induce toxic effects on the human PBMCs, it nevertheless had significant effects, particularly with regard to the host defense mechanisms. Exposure resulted in a 1.3-fold increase in TLR8 mRNA expression and a 3.4-fold increase in TLR9 mRNA. In addition, the PBMCs demonstrated greater mRNA expression of certain cytokines, specifically IL23A (10.7-fold) and IL1B (3.1-fold). Furthermore, treatment with destruxins resulted in a slight increase (1.5 ×) in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The study indicates that extended exposure to dtxs, such as those derived from plant-based foods, does not adversely affect immune system cells; however, it significantly modulates their immune gene expression, particularly involving pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines.
Source: Exposure and Health
Institutions: Medical University of Lodz, University of Łódź
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,490
OpenAlex ID: W4414250899