PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide novel applications of ergothioneine based on new findings on the physiological effects of ergothioneine.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, there are provided an immune response-activating cytokine production promoter comprising ergothioneine as an active ingredient, a food composition for promoting the production of immune response-activating cytokine, and a Th17-cell differentiation promoter and a food composition for promoting differentiation of Th17 cells and a method for promoting the production of immune response-activating cytokines and a method for promoting differentiation of Th17 cells. According to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to health promotion and improvement, cure, and prevention of various diseases by activating an immune response of the living body or activating an immune response of TH17 cells in the living body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5COPYRIGHT: (C)2018,JPO&INPIT【課題】 エルゴチオネインの生理作用に関する新たな知見に基づき、新規な用途を提供する。【解決手段】 エルゴチオネインを有効成分とする、免疫応答活性化サイトカイン産生促進剤、免疫応答活性化サイトカイン産生促進用食品組成物、Th17細胞分化促進剤およびTh17細胞分化促進用食品組成物、ならびに、免疫応答活性化サイトカインの産生を促進する方法およびTh17細胞の分化を促進する方法。本発明によれば、生体の免疫応答を活性化して、あるいは生体のTH17細胞による免疫応答を活性化して、健康増進、各種疾病の改善や治癒、予防に寄与することができる。【選択図】 図5
