A recent study led by Maziar Divangahi found that beta-glucan, a component in all fungi, can protect against flu-related lung damage. Administering beta-glucan to mice before flu exposure reduced lung damage, improved lung function, and lowered illness and death rates. This component, found in mushrooms, yeast, oats, and barley, boosts defenses against pathogens by modulating immune responses and preventing severe lung inflammation.
“Beta-glucan is found in the cell walls of all fungi, including some that live in and on our bodies as part of the human microbiome,” explained Divangahi. “It is tempting to hypothesize that the levels and composition of fungi in an individual could influence how their immune system responds to infections, in part because of beta-glucan.”
The study, published in Nature Immunology, highlights beta-glucan’s potential as a therapy for influenza and other viral pathogens. Researchers noted that beta-glucan can reprogram immune cells to control excessive inflammation, a common cause of flu-related deaths.
Future research will explore its applicability to humans.
Read More
β-Glucan reprograms neutrophils to promote disease tolerance against influenza A virus. Khan N, Tran KA, Chevre R, Locher V, Richter M, Sun S, Sadeghi M, Pernet E, Herrero-Cervera A, Grant A, Saif A, Downey J, Kaufmann E, Khader SA, Joubert P, Barreiro LB, Yipp BG, Soehnlein O, Divangahi M. Nat. Immunol. 2025 Feb;26(2):174-187.
In the News
New discovery could help protect against influenza. Preclinical trial uncovers how beta-glucan, found in all fungi, can ‘reprogram’ immune cells to prevent lung inflammation. The Institute News. February 17, 2025.
New discovery could help protect against influenza. Preclinical trial uncovers how beta-glucan, found in all fungi, can ‘reprogram’ immune cells to prevent lung inflammation. McGill News. February 17, 2025.
Fungal component may protect against flu-related lung damage. News Medical Life Sciences. February 18, 2025.
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