Research progress on the mechanism of functional activity of edible fungi polysaccharides—focusing intestinal mucus as a key and entry point

Abstract

Edible fungi polysaccharide is a naturally active substance with a complex structure, which has immunomodulatory activity, can regulate intestinal flora, and reduces the body’s inflammatory response. Currently, studies on the immune activity of polysaccharides from edible fungi mainly focus on intestinal immunity. Based on the current research direction on the immune activity mechanism of polysaccharides, this paper summarized the direct effects of polysaccharides on intestinal immune cells and the indirect regulatory effects mediated by intestinal flora. At the same time, we found that the active function of polysaccharides needs to pass through the intestinal mucus layer first. The intestinal mucus layer is rich in mucins and special microorganisms with mucins as the carbon source, which act as the first line of defense of the intestinal barrier. The interaction between polysaccharides and intestinal mucins will affect the integrity of the intestinal barrier. And the interaction between polysaccharides and intestinal mucin, to provide a new strategy for the study of the activity mechanism of edible fungi polysaccharides.