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

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.

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Cefodizime as a biological response modifier: a review of its in-vivo, ex-vivo and in-vitro immunomodulatory properties

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy ◽

10.1093/jac/26.suppl_c.37 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 26 (suppl C) ◽

pp. 37-47 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

M. T. Labro

Keyword(s):

Ex Vivo ◽

Biological Response ◽

Biological Response Modifier ◽

Response Modifier ◽

Immunomodulatory Properties

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Enhancement of NK activity and LAK activity with biological response modifier after the trans-arterial embolization therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Kanzo ◽

10.2957/kanzo.30.588 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 30 (5) ◽

pp. 588-589

Author(s):

Hiroyuki MATSUDA ◽

Tetsuo TAKEHARA ◽

Masahumi NAITO ◽

Naoki HIRAMATSU ◽

Hitoshi SAWAOKA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Biological Response ◽

Arterial Embolization ◽

Biological Response Modifier ◽

Nk Activity ◽

Response Modifier ◽

Embolization Therapy ◽

Lak Activity

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TRITON WR-1339 AS A BIOLOGICAL-RESPONSE MODIFIER IN MYCOBACTERIAL INFECTION

Japanese Journal of Medical Science and Biology ◽

10.7883/yoken1952.39.35 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 35-47

Author(s):

Eiko KONDO ◽

Koomi KANAI

Keyword(s):

Biological Response ◽

Mycobacterial Infection ◽

Biological Response Modifier ◽

Response Modifier ◽

Triton Wr 1339

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Clinical Development of Biological Response Modifiers

Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1155/1994/583805 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 5 (suppl a) ◽

pp. 5A-8A

Author(s):

Jay P Siegel

Keyword(s):

Adverse Reactions ◽

Biological Response ◽

Clinical Trial Design ◽

The United States ◽

Biological Response Modifier ◽

Clinical Development ◽

Response Modifier ◽

United States Food ◽

Study Population ◽

States Food

OBJECTIVE: To present perspectives on selected issues that frequently arise during the clinical development of biological response modifier (BRM) therapies.DATA SOURCES: The perspectives and opinions presented herein were developed over several years of reviewing and consulting on the clinical development of BRM therapies at the United States Food and Drug Administration.CONCLUSIONS: BRM therapies encompass a broad spectrum of products used to treat a wide variety of diseases. Due to this diversity. most principles of clinical trial design and conduct applicable to the majority of BRMS are those that are applicable to all therapies. Nevertheless, the clinical development of BRM therapies often raises specific issues and problems in the areas of selecting animal models, defining the study population, adverse reactions, dosing and defining end-points. Over 10 years’ experience in testing biotechnology derived BRMS in clinical trials has created a database from which we can draw valuable generalizations for guidance in future studies.

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