Study Finds That Common Mushroom Fiber Could Help Protect Against the Flu

Mushrooms may be more powerful than they appear. Past research has linked them to reduced depression risk, enhanced brain cell growth, and even cancer protection. Now, a new study suggests they might also help defend against influenza.

A research team from McGill University in Canada discovered that beta-glucan fibers, found in all mushrooms, might help shield against the flu by reducing lung inflammation in infected mice.

Beta-Glucan Improves Lung Function and Reduces Flu Severity in Mice

Additionally, mice that received beta-glucan showed better lung function and a reduced risk of severe illness or death after flu exposure. While human trials are needed for confirmation, these findings present an exciting path for further research.

“Beta-glucan is a component of the cell walls in all fungi, including those that naturally exist in and on the human body as part of the microbiome,” explains Maziar Divangahi, an immunologist at McGill University.

He adds, “It’s intriguing to consider that an individual’s fungal composition and levels might impact their immune response to infections, partly due to the effects of beta-glucan.”

Beta-Glucan Enhances Disease Tolerance by Modulating Immune Response

Beta-glucan is already recognized for its immune-boosting properties, but in this study, researchers focused on its role in disease tolerance—reducing the body’s response to viral infection rather than directly eliminating pathogens, as traditional antiviral treatments do.

What sets beta-glucan apart is its ability to reprogram immune cells for better flu resistance. Mice treated with beta-glucan had more neutrophils, a type of immune cell, but these cells exhibited more controlled behavior than usual.

This reprogramming proved crucial, as it prevented neutrophils from overreacting and causing excessive lung inflammation—a common complication of severe flu infections, including pneumonia.

“Neutrophils are typically associated with inflammation, but beta-glucan has the ability to shift their role toward reducing it,” explains immunologist Kim Tran from McGill University.

Beta-Glucan’s Lasting Impact: Potential for Long-Term Immune Protection

Additionally, the enhanced neutrophils persisted for up to a month, suggesting that beta-glucan-based treatments could provide long-term protection. However, researchers are still in the early stages of exploring its full potential.

While the life-saving benefits of disease tolerance are well understood, many aspects of its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study provides valuable insights and could potentially be applied to other respiratory diseases in future research.

“It’s remarkable how beta-glucan can reprogram specific immune cells, like neutrophils, to regulate excessive lung inflammation,” says immunologist Nargis Khan, now at the University of Calgary in Canada.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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