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We discuss current information on the ability of extracts and isolated metabolites from mushrooms to modulate immune responses. This can result in a more enhanced innate and acquired disease resistance. The major immunomodulating effects of these active substances derived from mushrooms include mitogenicity and activation of immune effector cells, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells, resulting in the production of cytokines, including interleukins (ILs), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α, and interferon gamma (INF)-γ. In particular, the ability of selective mushroom extracts to modulate the differentiation capacity of CD4+ T cells to mature into TH1 and/or TH2 subsets will be discussed. As a consequence these extracts will have profound effects in particular diseases, like chronic autoimmune TH1-mediated or allergic TH2-mediated diseases. Immunosuppressive effects by mushroom components have also been observed. The therapeutic effects of mushrooms, such as anticancer activity, suppression of autoimmune diseases, and allergy have been associated with their immunomodulating effects. However, further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanisms of the immunomodulating effects of mushrooms metabolites both individually and in complex mixtures, for example, extracts.

We have studied the responses to changing environmental conditions of five halophytes in a Mediterranean salt marsh, during a 2-year period. Salt tolerance in succulent dicotyledonous halophytes is mostly dependent on compartmentalisation of toxic ions in vacuoles and biosynthesis of osmolytes for osmotic adjustment – mechanisms that appear to be constitutive in the most tolerant taxa – while monocots avoid excessive ion transport to the plant aerial parts. Contrary to what has been described for salt treatments under artificial conditions, the selected halophytes are not affected by oxidative stress in their natural habitat, and do not need to activate antioxidant defence mechanisms.