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The Complexity of Fungal β-Glucan in Health and Disease: Effects on the Mononuclear Phagocyte System

Summary

This research examines how a sugar molecule called β-glucan, found in fungi like mushrooms and yeasts, affects our immune system. β-glucan shows promise in fighting both infections and cancer by boosting immune cell function. Here’s how this research impacts everyday life: • Could lead to new natural treatments for infections that don’t require antibiotics • May help develop better cancer therapies with fewer side effects than current treatments • Suggests eating certain mushrooms might help boost immune system function • Could help develop better vaccines and immune-boosting supplements • May lead to new ways to help patients recover from chemotherapy

Background

β-glucan is the most abundant fungal cell wall polysaccharide and has gained significant attention for its immunobiological properties. It functions both as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern during fungal infections and shows promise as a biological response modifier for treating cancer and infectious diseases. The molecule can bind to different receptors on phagocytic and cytotoxic innate immune cells, with immune responses varying based on cell types and receptors involved.

Objective

To review the complexity of interactions between fungal β-glucans and mononuclear phagocytes during fungal infections, and discuss available studies suggesting how different fungal β-glucans exhibit antitumor and antimicrobial activities by modulating biologic responses of mononuclear phagocytes.

Results

The review found that β-glucans can trigger various immune responses including phagocytosis, ROS production, cytokine release, and trained immunity in mononuclear phagocytes. The molecule’s structure and source affect its immunomodulatory properties. β-glucans show promise in treating infections and cancer through multiple mechanisms including enhanced macrophage function and conversion of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to inflammatory M1 types.

Conclusion

While experimental evidence demonstrates β-glucan’s crucial role in host-pathogen interactions and immune system modulation, clinical applications require further investigation. Future studies need to better characterize how different β-glucan structures interact with specific receptors and trigger signaling pathways. Standardization of β-glucan molecules used in research is needed for more consistent results.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Immunology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00673
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