Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis represents one of the most serious fungal infections among\nimmunocompromised patients. In this study, we aimed to analyze the in vivo efficacy of prophylactic\noral amphotericin B (AMB) encapsulated in modified chitosan-nanoparticles (Nanomericsâ?? Molecular\nEnvelope Technology (MET)) supplemented with a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes\nmycelia (AHCC®) in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis. We determined fungal burden and\nsurvival of mice and additionally, we carried out a cytokine analysis in an attempt to understand\nthe immunomodulation of the extract. Our results evidenced equivalent efficacy between orally\nadministered AMB-MET and the intravenous liposomal AMB marketed formulation. Addition of\nthe AHCC® supplement significantly improved efficacy in terms of burden reduction and survival\nincrease of both oral and intravenous AMB therapies compared to the untreated control group.\nMoreover, a protective effect of the extract was observed in terms of weight loss. Regarding the\ncytokine profiles, the Th1 immune response was stimulated in treated animals when compared to\nthe control group. This response was marked by an enhancement in the MCP-1, GM-CSF, VEGF,\nRANTES and IL-17 levels and a decrease in the IL-6, a biomarker related to the severity of the infection.
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