Mushroom Polysaccharides: a Potent Immune-Modulator

Abstract

From ancient times, mushrooms are being used as nutraceuticals, food supplements, and dietary fibers for their high nutritional value. Modern medicinal researches have depicted immune-modulating effects of wild edible mushrooms. Among several metabolites of mushroom origin, polysaccharides are known to have the most potential immune-modulatory functions on both innate and adaptive immune systems. Mushrooms polysaccharides (MPs) are the diverse groups of macromolecules which show considerable variability in their physicochemical properties. These variations in properties are considered as determining factors of the immune-stimulation activities. In this present review, a broad outline of different MPs and their purification, the relationship between physical properties and bioactivity, immune cell receptors, and impact on both innate and adaptive immune systems is enlightened.