Fungal β-1,3-glucans: Cell Wall Constituents That Promote Gut Health Through Innate Immune Modulation.

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• Fungal beta-1,3-glucans are cell wall components with significant immunomodulatory effects.
• These polysaccharides interact with various pattern recognition receptors, initiating immune responses.
• Dietary beta-1,3-glucans act as prebiotics, influencing gut microbiota and barrier function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the immunomodulatory and prebiotic roles of fungal beta-1,3-glucans.
• To explore their therapeutic potential in inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, infections, and cancer.
• To identify limitations in clinical translation and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on fungal beta-1,3-glucans.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms involving pattern recognition receptors and gut microbiota.
• Evaluation of therapeutic applications in various disease models.

Main Results:

• Beta-1,3-glucans trigger innate and adaptive immunity, including cytokine production and trained immunity.
• They improve gut homeostasis by modulating microbiota and enhancing epithelial integrity.
• Evidence supports their use in oncology, as biomarkers, and as antifungal targets.

Conclusions:

• Fungal beta-1,3-glucans possess dual roles in immunity and gut health, positioning them as key regulators of homeostasis.
• Therapeutic potential is broad, spanning inflammatory, metabolic, infectious, and oncologic diseases.
• Clinical translation is hindered by heterogeneity and lack of standardized trials; future research should focus on mechanistic clarity and rigorous evaluation.