Immunomodulating compounds in Basidiomycetes

J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2013 May;52(3):202-7. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.13-3. Epub 2013 Apr 19.

Abstract

Mushrooms are distinguished as important food containing immunomodulating and anticancer agents. These compounds belong mostly to polysaccharides especially β-d-glucans. Among them, β-1,3-glucan with side chain β-1,6-glucose residues have more important roles in immunomodulating and antitumor activities. In this review, we have introduced polysaccharide mainly from Lentinula edodes and Agaricus blazei Murill with immunomodulating and antitumor activities. In addition, the mechanism of activation of immune response and signal cascade are also reviewed.

Keywords: Basidiomycetes; antitumor activity; immunomodulating activity; polysaccharide; β-glucan.