title: Antitumor polysaccharides from mushrooms: a review on the structural characteristics, antitumor mechanisms and immunomodulating activities.
abstract: Mushrooms are popular folk medicines that have attracted considerable attention because of their efficient antitumor activities. This review covers existing research achievements on the mechanisms of isolated mushroom polysaccharides, particularly (1→3)-β-D-glucans. Our review also describes the function in modulating the immune system and potential tumor-inhibitory effects of polysaccharides. The antitumor mechanisms of mushroom polysaccharides are mediated by stimulated T cells or other immune cells. These polysaccharides are able to trigger various cellular responses, such as the expression of cytokines and nitric oxide. Most polysaccharides could bind other conjugate molecules, such as polypeptides and proteins, whose conjugation always possess strong antitumor activities. The purpose of this review is to summarize available information, and to reflect the present situation of polysaccharide research filed with a view for future direction.
authors.affiliation: School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.affiliation: School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
authors.forename: Hebin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China. Electronic address: btlxluo@scut.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Lixin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Luo
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000363:Agaricales / Q000737:chemistry; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002236:Carbohydrate Conformation; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011134:Polysaccharides
keywords: Antitumor; Folk medicine; Mechanism; Mushroom polysaccharide