Fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs) are a type of functional compound (other compounds include
polysaccharides and
triterpenoids) found in various species of
fungi. FIPs are part of the
immunoglobulin (ig) family, which are structurally similar to human antibodies, and can interact with human
peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), causing these cells to secrete different types of hormones and regulate cellular activity.[1]
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 (LZ-8).[2]
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 (FIP).[3]
^Peek HW, Halkes SB, Tomassen MM, Mes JJ, Landman WJ (2013). "In vivo screening of five phytochemicals/extracts and a fungal immunomodulatory protein against colibacillosis in broilers". Avian Pathology. 42 (3): 235–247.
doi:
10.1080/03079457.2013.780121.
PMID23627727.
S2CID24714876.