Abstract
In Japan, there is a long history of consumption of miso, a fermented soybean paste, which possesses beneficial effects on human health. However, the mechanism behind these effects is not fully understood. To clarify the effects of miso on immune cells, we evaluated its immunomodulatory activity in mice. Miso did not alter the percentage of B and T cells in the spleen; however, it increased CD69+ B cells, germinal center B cells and regulatory T cells. Anti-DNA immunoglobulin M antibodies, which prevent autoimmune disease, were increased following ingestion of miso. Transcriptome analysis of mouse spleen cells cultured with miso and its raw material revealed that the expression of genes, including interleukin (IL)-10, IL-22 and CD86, was upregulated. Furthermore, intravital imaging of the small intestinal epithelium using a calcium biosensor mouse line indicated that miso induced Ca2+ signaling in a manner similar to that of probiotics. Thus, ingestion of miso strengthened the immune response and tolerance in mice. These results appear to account, at least in part, to the salubrious effects of miso.
Highlights
Miso is a traditional fermented food consumed in Japan
Since miso and miso-derived microorganisms have been shown to modulate the immune response [13,16], we examined the effect of miso on B cells and T cells in mice
We examined subsets of these B cells and found no changes associated with miso intake (S2 Fig)
Summary
Miso is a traditional fermented food consumed in Japan. It is classified according to the type of mold (koji), fermented by Aspergillus or other microorganisms. Soybean-miso (mame-miso) is prepared by mixing fermented beans and salt. It primarily consists of soybeans and is rich in proteins (including amino acids and peptides); it is characterized by a strong umami and a dark color. Miso has an anti-hypertensive effect [2,3] and is known to act on the brain to suppress salt-sensitive sympathoexcitation [4,5]. It has been reported that miso has anti-cancer activity against breast [6], gastric [7] and colon cancers [8]. The consumption of miso has been reported to exert health effects, such as fat suppression [9], anti-inflammation [10] and stroke prevention [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
