Regulatory effects of Auricularia cornea var. Li. polysaccharides on immune system and gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide-induced mice

Recently, the immuno-enhancing potential of Auricularia cornea var. Li. polysaccharides has been an area of research interest. However, the immune-stimulatory activity and mechanisms of AAP in immunosuppressive mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX) are still poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the immuno-enhancing effects of Auricularia cornea var. Li. polysaccharides and mine its possible mechanisms. Auricularia cornea var. Li. polysaccharides were evaluated in the CTX-treated mice. Results showed that Auricularia cornea var. Li. polysaccharides significantly enhanced immune organ indexes, remarkably stimulated IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-a levels in the serum. Compared to the model group, Auricularia cornea var. Li. polysaccharides administration restored the gut microbiota composition similar to that of the control group by decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and increasing the relative abundances of short-chain fatty acid-producing microbiota. This study provides useful information for its further application as an immune-stimulator in foods and drugs.