Laboratory studies demonstrate that cordyceps stimulates T helper cells, prolongs lymphocyte survival, enhances TNF-alpha and IL1 production, and increases activity of NK cells [(3)](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/cordyceps#references-3). Other experiments suggest cordyceps may inhibit tumor celIs by downregulating MHC class II antigen expression [(7)](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/cordyceps#references-7). [Cordyceps | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center](https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/cordyceps)