Dictionary of Allergies .. Aspergillus oryzae

Aspergillus oryzae is a food biotechnology fungus commonly known as koji mold. It is an Aspergillus species, which produces an amylase capable to sensitize bakers who use additives in the flour. Concentrations of Aspergillus oryzaewere found in the organic waste recycling facilities. High concentrations were revealed at the grain mills, in the poultry farms, in the feed preparing and storing house at the swineries[1] ImmuBalance is a koji fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) and lactic acid fermented soybean product. This unique production process is believed to create a food supplement that helps to induce or maintain normal immune response. ImmuBalance protects against peanut allergy (PN)-induced anaphylaxis when administered as a food supplement in this model. Protection was associated with down-regulation of Th2 responses. This supplement may provide a potential novel therapy for PNA[2].

References

1. Lugauskas A, Krikstaponis A, Sveistyte L. Airborne fungi in industrial environments--potential agents of respiratory diseases. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2004;11(1):19-25.

2. Zhang T, Pan W, Takebe M, Schofield B, Sampson H, Li XM. Therapeutic effects of a fermented soy product on peanut hypersensitivity is associated with modulation of T-helper type 1 and T-helper type 2 responses. Clin Exp Allergy. 2008 Nov;38(11):1808-18. Epub 2008 Aug 13