A fatty acid-rich fraction of an endolichenic fungus Phoma sp. suppresses immune checkpoint markers via AhR/ARNT and ESR1

Lung cancer has the highest mortality rates worldwide. The disease is caused by environmental pollutants, smoking, and many other factors. Recent treatments include immunotherapeutics, which have shown some success; however, search for new therapeutics ongoing. Endolichenic fungi produce a whale of lot secondary metabolites, therapeutic effects are being evaluated. Here, we used crude extract subfractions endolichenic fungus, Phoma sp. (EL006848), isolated from Pseudevernia furfuracea. It was identified fatty acid components, palmitic acid, stearic oleic exist in E1 E2. In addition, EL006848 its acids fractions suppressed benzopyrene (an AhR ligand)- induced expression PD-L1 to inhibit activity multiple immune checkpoints. E2 subfraction, had higher content than E1, downregulated AhR/ARNT several human transcription factors related ESR1. Moreover, showed strong inhibitory effect on STAT3 mild NF-kB activity. These results suggest that extracted an fungus can exert immunotherapeutic effects.