Fiber2026-06

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

Samiksha Fnu, Singh Drishtant, Harbool Sudi Shatha, Di Martino Luca et al. — Nutrients

Summary

Fungal β-1,3-glucans, found in the cell walls of fungi, are a type of fiber that can significantly benefit gut health. They work by interacting with our immune system and by acting as prebiotics, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. This dual action helps maintain a healthy gut environment and may offer protection against various diseases.

AI-generated summary — read the original

Key points

Fungal β-1,3-glucans are natural fibers found in fungi that support gut health.
They interact with the body's immune system, helping to regulate its responses.
These glucans also act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Their combined effects contribute to a balanced gut environment and may have broader health benefits.

What the study looked at

**What question did the study ask?** This paper explores how fungal β-1,3-glucans, which are components of fungal cell walls, contribute to gut health and overall well-being. It investigates their mechanisms of action, particularly how they interact with the immune system and influence the gut microbiome. **How was it studied?** This is a review paper, meaning the authors synthesized existing research and evidence on fungal β-1,3-glucans. They examined various studies that explored how these glucans are recognized by the body's immune receptors and how they function as fermentable fibers within the digestive system. The paper discusses findings from both laboratory (preclinical) and early human (clinical) studies. **What did it find?** The review found that fungal β-1,3-glucans play a dual role: they directly modulate the body's innate immune system and also act as prebiotics, fostering beneficial gut bacteria. This leads to improved gut barrier function and the production of beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids. These combined effects suggest potential benefits for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, and even cancer, though more robust human trials are needed.

Dietary takeaway

To support your gut health, consider incorporating foods rich in fungal β-1,3-glucans into your diet. While specific food sources aren't detailed here, mushrooms are a well-known source of these beneficial compounds, offering a natural way to boost your fiber intake and potentially support your immune system and gut microbiome. Remember that findings from a single review, while informative, are not definitive, and a balanced diet with a variety of fiber sources is always recommended.

Abstract

Fungal β-1,3-glucans are structurally conserved polysaccharide components of the fungal cell wall that exhibit potent immunomodulatory activity. These molecules are recognized by pattern recognition receptors, Toll-like receptors, complement receptor 3, lactosylceramide, scavenger receptors, and EphA2. Binding of β-1,3-glucans through these receptors triggers coordinated innate and adaptive immune responses such as cytokine production, phagocytosis, and trained immunity. In addition to receptor-mediated immune activation, dietary β-1,3-glucans function as fermentable prebiotic fibers that modulate gut microbiota composition, increase short-chain fatty acid production, and strengthen epithelial barrier integrity. These combined immunological and microbiome-mediated effects position β-1,3-glucans as key regulators of gut homeostasis. Preclinical and emerging clinical evidence supports broad therapeutic potential across multiple disease domains, including inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, respiratory infections, and cancer. In oncology, β-1,3-glucans enhance anti-tumor immunity, improve responses to monoclonal antibodies and chemotherapy, and serve as promising adjuvants in vaccine-based strategies. Additionally, β-1,3-glucan is widely used as a biomarker for invasive fungal infections and represents a validated target of antifungal therapies such as echinocandins. Despite these advances, clinical translation remains limited by heterogeneity in glucan source, structure, and formulation, as well as a lack of appropriately powered, standardized human clinical trials. Future efforts should focus on clarifying mechanisms of action, as well as rigorous clinical evaluation, to fully define the therapeutic utility of fungal β-1,3-glucans.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.3390/nu18111794