Immune modulation, being one of the potential strategies to combat COVID-19 infection, emphasis has been laid on enhancing the innate immune response in a balanced manner. Beta (β)-glucans have been suggested as nonspecific immunostimulatory adjuvants to beneficially boost protective antiviral immunity. Through this article, we wish to emphasize that β-glucans not only enhance the innate immunity but also possess the capability to modulate all the arms of the immunity viz., innate, adaptive, TRIM at different sites including those postulated to be the entry site of the SARS-CoV2. Other than immune modulation capabilities, the beneficial metabolic- and coagulation-related effects of β-glucans, a simple nutritional supplementation strategy, make them be considered for larger clinical studies to validate their prophylactic vaccine adjuvant and nutritional-based therapeutic supplement activities to effectively fight the COVID-19 pandemic. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A 360° wholesome protection from viral infections is possible only when all the arms of the immune system function in a balanced and effective manner which is especially important in COVID-19. Nutritional supplementation using biological response modifier beta (β)-glucans (BRMGs) is worth considering for large-scale clinical studies based on their track record of safety and their beneficial regulation of all the arms of the immune system.
Keywords: COVID-19; antiviral; beta (β)-glucans; immune modulation; innate immunity.
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