Fungal immunomodulatory protein
Fungal immunomodulatory proteins are a type of functional compound found in various species of fungi. FIPs are part of the immunoglobulin family, which are structurally similar to human antibodies, and can interact with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, causing these cells to secrete different types of hormones and regulate cellular activity.
History
The first FIP was discovered in 1989 by Japanese scientist Kohsuke Kino et al. from the water extract of the mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum, and was named Ling Zhi-8.From then on, researchers have identified numerous structurally similar proteins from various types of fungi that also share a high degree of genetic similarity as well as physiological activities, and thus coined the term fungal immunomodulatory protein.
Members of the FIP family
Currently known FIPs are listed below:- LZ-8 from G. lucidum
- LZ-9 from G. lucidum
- FIP-gts from G. tsugae
- FIP-gsi from G. sinensis
- GMI from G. microsporum
- FIP-tve from Trametes versicolor
- FIP-pcp from Poria cocos
- FIP-fve from Flammulina velutipes
- FIP-vvo from Volvariella volvacea
- FIP-aca from Antrodia camphorate
- FIP-lrh from Lignosus rhinocerotis