Introduction: β-glucans are ubiquitous yet complex polysaccharides occurring naturally as cell wall components in cereals, algae, bacteria and fungi including commonly consumed products/foods like mushrooms. β-glucans are known to have immunomodulatory functions and may both directly (via pattern recognition receptors) and indirectly (via the microbiota) influence the immune system. β-glucans have the ability to ‘train’ monocyte and macrophage cells of the innate immune system, thereby boosting protective responses to infection. There is also evidence that β-glucans demonstrate anti-inflammatory capability in mice exposed to chemically induced colitis. However, structural and chemical differences resultant from the source of the β-glucan, affect their immunomodulatory abilities. The aim of the present study is to investigate a naturally-derived macrofungal β-glucan (BG) to determine it’s immunomodulatory potential, with a particular focus on protective benefits in gastrointestinal inflammation.
Methods: Caco2 cells were used to investigate BG-induced transcriptional changes in intestinal epithelial cell barrier markers in response to stimulation with TNF-α. Mice were orally administered BGprior to exposure to dextran-sulfate-sodium (DSS; 2.5%) colitis in order to determine any overall protection from disease.
Results: BG induced increased transcription of protective intestinal barrier-related genes (Occludin and EGFR) and decreased IL-1β transcription in Caco2 cells. Mice who received oral administration of BG displayed a trend for lower disease scores throughout DSS administration.
Conclusion: BG appears capable of reducing disease activity in the DSS model of chemically induced colitis. This is likely due to a combination of anti-inflammatory activity as well as a boost in intestinal barrier gene transcription.

Immunomodulatory Properties of a Naturally-Derived Macrofungal?-Glucan in Gastrointestinal Inflammation

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