Fungal Bioactive Compounds with Antiviral Effect

Basidial fungi have long been known as sources of antitumor compounds such as polysaccharides. Studies conducted by scientists from different countries demonstrate that polysaccharides and other fungal compounds (proteins, glycoproteins, terpenoids, melanins, nucleosides, etc.) exhibit antiviral activity against many viruses pathogenic for humans. The review presents data on the studied antiviral activities of higher basidial fungi against herpes, West Nile, influenza, human immunodeficiency and hepatitis viruses as well as orthopoxviruses including variola virus. Many species of basidial fungi and various classes of biologically active compounds obtained from them are capable of effectively inhibiting the development of viruses in cells and animals while possessing low toxicity. Biologically active compounds from the same fungal species can exhibit antiviral effects against different pathogens. Effective strains isolated from wild mushrooms in culture represent promising objects for the development of biotechnological drugs, including ones possessing antiviral activity. The data on antitumor and antiviral activities of compounds from the same fungal species indicate the correlation of these properties. In this connection, preparations of basidial fungi may have prophylactic value in preventing cancers of viral etiology.