β-Glucans from Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd Is Effective for Prevention of Influenza Virus Infection

Coriolus versicolor (C. versicolor) is a higher fungi or mushroom which is now known by its accepted scientific names as Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd. Many studies have shown that beta-glucans from C. versicolor have various physiological activities, including activating macrophages to protect against Salmonella infection. However, whether beta-glucans have antiviral effects has not been reported. Hence, the objective of this study was to confirm whether beta-glucans could boost the immune response to combat influenza virus in mouse and chick models. The results show that beta-glucans induced the expression of Dectin-1, costimulatory molecules (CD80/86) and cytokines IL-6, IL-1 beta, IFN-beta and IL-10 in murine bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs). In addition, orally administered beta-glucans reduced weight loss, mortality and viral titers in the lungs of mice infected with influenza virus and attenuated pathological lung damage caused by the virus in the mice. Orally administered beta-glucans improved survival and reduced lung viral titers in chickens infected with H9N2 avian influenza virus. These results suggest that beta-glucans have a significant antiviral effect. Therefore, beta-glucans could become a potential immunomodulator against influenza virus.

Automated summary

This study found that beta-glucans from Coriolus versicolor can effectively enhance the immune response against influenza virus. The beta-glucans induced the expression of various immune factors in mice and chickens, resulting in reduced weight loss, mortality, and lung viral titers. The results suggest that beta-glucans have a significant antiviral effect and could potentially be used as immunomodulators against influenza.