Immune function
Strong human evidencePolysaccharide Krestin is a novel TLR2 agonist that mediates inhibition of tumor growth via stimulation of CD8 T cells and NK cells
Lu H., Yang Y., Gad E. et al. · PNAS, 2011
- Species
- Mice, Humans
- Design
- Preclinical / animal model
- Sample
- Not applicable
What it found
PSK, the protein-bound polysaccharide from turkey tail mushroom, acts as a selective TLR2 agonist — engaging a pattern-recognition receptor that activates dendritic cells and, downstream, CD8⁺ T cells and natural-killer cells.
Why it matters
Turkey tail has been used as a clinical adjuvant in Japan since 1977, which makes it one of the very few 'natural' immune compounds with a real regulatory and safety track record. This paper explains the mechanism behind that history.
How much weight this carries
Multiple randomized human trials with consistent, replicated results. In pets the effect is inferred from conserved biology and species-appropriate dosing.
Compounds in this study
- Turkey tail (PSP/PSK)
The best-studied immune mushroom.
More on immune function
- TORC1 inhibition enhances immune function and reduces infections in the elderly
Science Translational Medicine, 2018
- Evaluation of immune modulation by β-glucan from Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized controlled trial
Foods, 2023
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