Mushrooms & Autoimmunity: Exploring the Immunomodulatory Potential of Fungi | The Attic

Autoimmune disorders are among the fastest-growing categories of chronic illness, affecting millions of individuals. In this thought-provoking keynote, Eric Cerecedes of Health Research Institute 501(c)3 explores the underlying biological mechanisms that drive autoimmunity—where the body’s immune system mistakenly turns against itself—and offers a compelling framework for restoring balance through nature-based interventions. Participants will get an accessible understanding of immune dysregulation, including the roles of chronic inflammation, gut-immune axis disruption, environmental triggers, and loss of immune tolerance. The workshop will highlight emerging research on functional mushrooms and their ability to modulate immune response, support homeostasis, and promote resilience. Drawing from both traditional use and modern scientific insights, Eric will examine key species such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane), and Grifola frondosa (Maitake), focusing on their bioactive compounds and their role in supporting immune intelligence rather than simply stimulating immune activity.

This session will move beyond theory into practical application, offering strategies for incorporating mushrooms into a broader wellness protocol that may include diet, lifestyle, and integrative health approaches. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to approach autoimmune conditions through a systems-based lens, along with actionable insights that can be applied in clinical practice, product development, or their personal health journeys.

Ideal for health practitioners, natural products professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern bioscience, this keynote invites participants to reconsider autoimmunity not as a lifelong sentence—but as a dynamic condition with pathways toward restoration and balance.

 

Eric Cerecedes | Chief Innovation Officer | Rise & Shine Mushrooms & Ki Force

Eric Cerecedes is a father, researcher, formulator, and educator dedicated to advancing the understanding and responsible development of botanical medicines. For more than 20 years, he has taught people about the nutritional and therapeutic potential of mushrooms through lectures, educational programs, and guided mushroom hikes.

Cerecedes serves as Administrative Director of the Health Research Institute’s Scientific Advisory Board, where he helps develop relationships with researchers, scientists, clinicians, laboratories, and technical consultants to advance independent scientific research.

In January 2026, Cerecedes joined TYK BioScience, supporting the development of Rise & Shine Mushrooms, a culinary mushroom company, and Ki Force, a mushroom-focused wellness brand. TYK BioScience is building an integrated platform for mushroom cultivation, research, processing, and product development, with the goal of becoming a global leader in naturally derived, standardized mushroom therapeutics. Cerecedes’ work bridges traditional botanical knowledge, modern analytical science, sustainable agriculture, and innovative product development.