Medicinal Mushrooms and Autoimmune Diseases: A New Approach to Immune System Modulation

Funghi Medicinali e Malattie Autoimmuni: Un Nuovo Approccio alla Modulazione del Sistema Immunitario

Article 6: Medicinal Mushrooms and Autoimmune Diseases: A New Approach to Immune System Modulation

Autoimmune diseases represent a growing challenge for modern medicine. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and autoimmune thyroiditis involve a malfunction of the immune system, which mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues. In this context, medicinal mushrooms are proving to be a valuable ally, thanks to their ability to modulate —and not simply stimulate—immune responses.

Immunomodulation vs. Immunostimulation: A Key Distinction

Immunomodulators work intelligently: they stimulate the immune system when it's underactive (for example, in infections or tumors), but they can also attenuate the hyperactivity typical of autoimmune conditions. This balance is essential, as simple stimulation could aggravate an autoimmune disease .

Clinical classification of immunomodulators

In medicine, immunomodulators are divided into:

Immunosuppressants : reduce immune activity (used for example in transplants);
Immunostimulants : they enhance the immune response;
Immunoadjuvants : they amplify the immune response to specific antigens (e.g. in vaccines).

Medicinal mushrooms fall into a cross-section, being able to exert multiple and contextual effects , depending on the state of the individual's immune system.

Mechanisms involved: modulation from within

Several compounds present in mushrooms act through specific receptors:

β-glucans , by interacting with Dectin-1 and TLRs , positively influence antigen-presenting cells and cytokine production.
Lectins regulate the activity of lymphocytes and macrophages by acting on cell signaling.
FIPs are able to rebalance the response between Th1 and Th2, two T cell subtypes involved in autoimmune diseases .

This regulatory activity is crucial in cases where the organism tends to “confuse” itself with an external agent.

Examples of mushrooms with immunoregulatory action

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) : lowers systemic inflammation and modulates cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ), reducing the aggressiveness of the immune system.
Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) : Its β-glucan lentinan supports the balance of Th1/Th2 responses.
Cordyceps sinensis : has been shown in preclinical studies to improve immune tolerance and reduce autoimmune markers.
Trametes versicolor : improves the function of dendritic cells, regulating the activation of T lymphocytes.

A natural but powerful strategy

The mycotherapy approach is not an alternative to conventional medications, but it can be an effective and safe complement to integrated treatment. Medicinal mushrooms offer a natural option to reduce inflammation, support immune regulation, and improve quality of life in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion

Research on medicinal mushrooms opens up promising avenues for the management of autoimmune diseases. Thanks to their ability to selectively modulate the immune system, they represent a valuable resource for promoting balance and well-being.