Mushrooms, often underestimated, are a type of fungi that harbors immense potential. Previous research has unveiled the ability of mushrooms to mitigate the risk of depression, enhance the growth of brain cells, and offer protection against cancer. A recent study now suggests that mushrooms may also serve as a shield against influenza.
A research team from McGill University in Canada discovered that the beta-glucan fibers present in all mushroom varieties could act as a barrier against the flu. These fibers were found to limit inflammation in the lungs of mice exposed to infection after receiving a dose of beta-glucan.
Interestingly, mice treated with these fibers exhibited improved lung function and a reduced likelihood of severe illness and mortality when confronted with the flu. Although human trials are needed for further insights, this avenue holds promise for researchers to delve into.
Immunologist Maziar Divangahi from McGill University remarked, “Beta-glucan, present in the cell walls of all fungi, including those in our microbiome, could potentially influence an individual’s immune response to infections due to its presence.”
Beta-glucan, known to enhance immunity, was tested by the researchers for its disease tolerance capabilities, which aim to reduce the impact of viral attacks on the body. It was observed that beta-glucan could reprogram immune cells to better combat the flu, showcasing immense potential for long-term protection against respiratory illnesses.
This groundbreaking research, published in Nature Immunology, sheds light on the intricate mechanisms that underlie disease tolerance, offering a new perspective that could revolutionize treatment strategies for various respiratory diseases.
Vocabulary List:
- Mushrooms /ˈmʌʃ.ruːmz/ (noun): A type of fungi that typically grows in the ground or on decaying matter.
- Influenza /ˌɪn.fluˈɛn.zə/ (noun): A viral infection that attacks the respiratory system.
- Beta-glucan /ˈbeɪ.tə ˈɡluː.kən/ (noun): A type of soluble dietary fiber that has health benefits especially in immune function.
- Inflammation /ˌɪn.fləˈmeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The body’s response to injury or infection causing redness and swelling.
- Mortality /mɔːrˈtæl.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The state of being subject to death.
- Mechanisms /ˈmɛkənɪzəmz/ (noun): Processes or systems that produce a particular result.
How much do you know?
What potential benefits of mushrooms have been uncovered by previous research?
Where was the recent study conducted that suggests mushrooms may act as a shield against influenza?
What effect did beta-glucan fibers have on the lungs of mice exposed to infection?
What did mice treated with beta-glucan fibers display?
According to Maziar Divangahi, how could beta-glucan influence an individual's immune response?
What did the researchers observe about the disease tolerance capabilities of beta-glucan?
Previous research has shown mushrooms to mitigate the risk of depression.
Beta-glucan fibers increased inflammation in the lungs of mice exposed to infection.
Human trials have already provided all the insights needed about mushrooms and flu protection.
Beta-glucan can potentially reprogram immune cells to combat the flu more effectively.
The recent study on mushrooms and flu protection was published in Nature Immunology.
Researchers believe that beta-glucan offers limited potential for long-term protection against respiratory illnesses.
Immunologist Maziar Divangahi is from University.
The beta-glucan fibers were found to limit in the lungs of mice exposed to infection.
Beta-glucan could reprogram immune cells to better combat the .
Published in Nature Immunology, the research sheds light on the intricate mechanisms that underlie tolerance.
Mice treated with beta-glucan displayed improved lung function and a reduced likelihood of severe .
Human trials are needed for further insights into the potential of mushrooms for fighting .
