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Review
. 2021 Nov 6;13(11):3960.
doi: 10.3390/nu13113960.

Beta-Glucans from Fungi: Biological and Health-Promoting Potential in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Iwona Mirończuk-Chodakowska  1 , Karolina Kujawowicz  1 , Anna Maria Witkowska  1
Affiliations
Review

Beta-Glucans from Fungi: Biological and Health-Promoting Potential in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Iwona Mirończuk-Chodakowska et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Beta-glucans comprise a group of polysaccharides of natural origin found in bacteria, algae, and plants, e.g., cereal seeds, as well as microfungi and macrofungi (mushrooms), which are characterized by diverse structures and functions. They are known for their metabolic and immunomodulatory properties, including anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral. Recent reports suggest a potential of beta-glucans in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. In contrast to β-glucans from other sources, β-glucans from mushrooms are characterized by β-1,3-glucans with short β-1,6-side chains. This structure is recognized by receptors located on the surface of immune cells; thus, mushroom β-glucans have specific immunomodulatory properties and gained BRM (biological response modifier) status. Moreover, mushroom beta-glucans also owe their properties to the formation of triple helix conformation, which is one of the key factors influencing the bioactivity of mushroom beta-glucans. This review summarizes the latest findings on biological and health-promoting potential of mushroom beta-glucans for the treatment of civilization and viral diseases, with particular emphasis on COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; food; macrofungi; mushrooms; β-glucans.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Classification of fungal polysaccharides [17,23,24].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chemical structure of lentinan [42].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Chemical structure of schizophyllan [44].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Chemical structure of the krestin repeat unit [63].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Chemical structure of the grifolan repeat unit [67].
Figure 6
Figure 6
Chemical structure of the pleuran repeat unit [49].
Figure 7
Figure 7
Biological activities of beta-glucans in the human body. SOD, superoxide dismutase; LH, polyunsaturated fatty acid; ROS, reactive oxygen species.; L•, alkyl radical; LOO•, superoxide radical.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Mechanism of immunomodulatory action of beta-glucans. Authors’ elaboration based on [6,8,91].
Figure 9
Figure 9
Possible mechanism of action of beta-glucans during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Authors’ elaboration based on [172,175].
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