Category: signaling
β(1→3)/β(1→6)-glucans from fungal cell walls are pathogen-associated molecular patterns recognized by Dectin-1 (CLEC7A) on macrophages + dendritic cells → Syk → CARD9 → NF-κB → cytokine release; also complement-mediated CR3-binding on neutrophils. Mushroom polysaccharide extracts: PSK + PSP (Trametes versicolor / turkey tail) — adjuvant in stomach + colorectal cancer in Japanese pharmacy schedule; lentinan (Shiitake — Japanese IV cancer adjuvant); maitake D-fraction; cordyceps polysaccharides + cordycepin (adenosine analog with antiviral / immunomodulatory activity); reishi triterpenes + polysaccharides; chaga (Inonotus obliquus) — birch tree pathogen, betulinic acid + melanin; lions mane (Hericium erinaceus) — hericenones + erinacines stimulate NGF synthesis (nootropic claim).