Mushroom-Derived Immune Modulation in Aquaculture

Mushroom-derived compounds have emerged as promising immunostimulants in aquaculture, offering a sustainable alternative to antibiotics and chemical treatments. Key bioactive molecules such as β-glucans, exopolysaccharides and other polysaccharides modulate the innate immune system of farmed fish and shellfish by enhancing cellular defences, promoting phagocytosis, stimulating cytokine production and balancing the gut microbiota. Dietary incorporation of mushroom extracts or by-products can improve growth performance, bolster resistance to bacterial and viral pathogens and reduce reliance on conventional feed ingredients. Global research efforts are increasingly focused on optimising dosage, formulation and delivery methods, while assessing the environmental and economic impacts of large-scale application. Practical outcomes include reduced mortality under challenge trials, improved antioxidant status and more robust health parameters across diverse species, underscoring the potential of fungal bioproducts to advance both productivity and ecological stewardship in aquaculture systems.

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Mushroom-Derived Immune Modulation in Aquaculture publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in mushroom-derived immune modulation in aquaculture across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

β-glucan: A polysaccharide from fungal cell walls known to activate immune cells and enhance host defences.

Exopolysaccharide (EPS): High-molecular-weight carbohydrate secreted by fungi, often with immunostimulatory and antioxidant properties.

Innate immunity: The non-specific first line of defence in vertebrates, encompassing cellular and humoral responses that provide rapid protection against pathogens.

Cytokine: Signalling protein released by immune cells that regulates inflammation, cell proliferation and communication within the immune system.

Phagocytic activity: The capacity of immune cells, such as macrophages, to engulf and destroy microorganisms or particulate matter.

Gut microbiota: The community of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract that influences nutrient absorption, immunity and overall health.

References

1. The Application of Fungi and Their Secondary Metabolites in Aquaculture. Journal of Fungi (2024).
2. Investigations on the use of exopolysaccharide derived from mycelial extract of Ganoderma lucidum as functional feed ingredient for aquaculture-farmed red hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). Future Foods (2021).
3. Effects of dietary co-exposure to fungal and herbal functional feed additives on immune parameters and microbial intestinal diversity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish & Shellfish Immunology (2023).
4. Dietary Agaricus blazei Spent Substrate Improves Disease Resistance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Streptococcus agalactiae In Vivo. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (2022).