AHCC® Provides Immune Boost Against West Nile Virus

PURCHASE, N.Y.—A recently completed study from researchers at Colorado State University supported by the Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has demonstrated that AHCC® (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) enhances host resistance by boosting protective immune responses specific to the West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus is caused by people being bitten by mosquitoes infected with the virus.
The West Nile Virus study utilizing AHCC (from Maypro) examined its effect in both young and aged mice infected with a potent strain of West Nile Virus. AHCC was administered both prior to and post infection at specific intervals. Blood was drawn and analyzed for key parameters such as IgM (Immunoglobulin M) and IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibody levels as well as West Nile Virus-specific T cells. Increasing these responses helps the body protect itself from the virus.
AHCC increased the production of West Nile Virus-specific IgM, IgG and T cells in young mice. Producing higher levels of these critical antibodies and lymphocytes is essential in helping the immune system protect itself from infection. AHCC also had an effect in aged mice but it was not as strong as on young mice. This initial study suggests that AHCC enhances protective immune responses against West Nile Virus infection in young and aged mice. Although additional studies are needed, these results are promising for individuals living with the disease as well as West Nile Virus susceptible populations such as the elderly and those individuals with a weakened immune system.
“This study demonstrates how AHCC can provide benefits against the West Nile Virus and further demonstrates its essential role for maintaining a healthy immune system,” said Fred Pescatore, M.D., M.P.H., of the Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine, and medical director for the U.S. AHCC Research Association.
Completed findings of the study were presented at the International AHCC Symposium held in Sapporo, Japan. The study is currently being submitted for publication. Studies of significance presented at this year’s Symposium included a Yale School of Medicine clinical study demonstrating that AHCC enhances the immune system in healthy elderly subjects as well as a newly published study completed at Drexel University that reviewed the research on the effect of AHCC against a number of infectious agents such as the influenza (flu) virus.

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