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Immunomodulating Compounds in Basidiomycetes: A Review of Polysaccharides and Their Immune Effects

Summary

This research examines how certain compounds found in mushrooms can boost our immune system and fight cancer. Scientists have discovered that specific sugar molecules called β-glucans, found in mushrooms like shiitake and blazei, can help strengthen our body’s natural defense mechanisms. This has important implications for human health and medicine. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides scientific support for including medicinal mushrooms in daily diet for immune health • Offers natural alternatives for cancer prevention and treatment • Helps explain why traditional Asian medicine has long valued certain mushrooms • Suggests new ways to develop natural medicines with fewer side effects • Shows potential for developing new supplements for immune system support

Background

Mushrooms have been recognized as important natural resources containing immunomodulating and anticancer agents. With the increase in diseases involving immune dysfunction, cancer, and autoimmune conditions, the application of natural immunomodulator agents has become vital. Fungi are classified in their own kingdom and contain five main phyla. Only about 10% of an estimated 140,000 mushroom species are taxonomically known, suggesting significant untapped potential for beneficial compounds.

Objective

This review aims to examine and summarize the immunomodulating compounds found in basidiomycetes mushrooms, with particular focus on polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes and Agaricus blazei Murill. The review also seeks to explain the mechanisms of immune response activation and signal cascades triggered by these compounds.

Results

The review found that β-1,3-glucans with β-1,6-glucose side chains play crucial roles in immunomodulating and antitumor activities. Lentinan from Lentinula edodes was shown to augment immune response through macrophage activation and cytokine production. Agaricus blazei Murill extracts demonstrated potent antitumor activity through β-(1→6)- and β-(1→3)-glucan mediated immune system effects. Various other mushroom species were found to contain different polysaccharides with immunomodulating properties.

Conclusion

Basidiomycetes mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides, primarily β-glucans, with significant immunomodulating and antitumor properties. The structural features of β-(1→3) linkages in the glucan main chain with β-(1→6) branches are essential for these activities. While multiple antitumor mechanisms have been proposed, further scientific research is needed to fully understand these processes.
  • Published in:Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3164/jcbn.13-3
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