As an early-career researcher deeply invested in bridging natural product biochemistry with translational immunology, I am eager to contribute to and learn from the interdisciplinary discourse at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025. My recent work on bioactive protein-polysaccharide complexes (PSP) in Lentinula edodes exemplifies my commitment to exploring fungal bioactives for immune modulation and functional nutrition—a nexus of life sciences and medicine with profound implications for global health. By isolating and characterizing PSP fractions with enhanced immunostimulatory properties, I demonstrated their potential as nutraceutical adjuvants, aligning with the forum’s emphasis on innovation in biomedical applications. Participation in the HKLF would allow me to engage with laureates and peers at the forefront of biomedical discovery, particularly in leveraging natural compounds for therapeutic development. I aim to deepen my understanding of translational strategies for bioactive molecules, while sharing insights on fungal-derived immunomodulators as sustainable solutions for immune-related disorders. The forum’s mission to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue resonates with my vision of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science. Joining this esteemed forum would catalyze my growth as a scientist committed to impactful, evidence-based innovations in life sciences.

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Our study investigates the therapeutic potential of protein-polysaccharide complexes (PSP) derived from Lentinula edodes mushroom, a species renowned for its bioactive compounds, to advance their application in immunomodulation and functional nutrition. By purifying crude PSP extracts via anion exchange chromatography, two high-protein fractions (PSP-F1: 66.1%, PSP-F2: 74.0%) were isolated and structurally characterized, revealing dominant β-sheet/random-coil conformations. SDS-PAGE analysis identified distinct molecular weight profiles, with PSP-F2 displaying a broader range (34–95 kDa), suggesting enhanced protein diversity. Nutritional evaluation highlighted PSP-F2’s superior amino acid composition, with an amino acid ratio coefficient of 72%, indicating high-quality protein bioavailability. In vitro immunostimulatory assays using RAW264.7 macrophages demonstrated that PSP-F2 significantly outperformed PSP-F1 in enhancing immune activity, particularly when combined with polysaccharide (PS) fractions. These findings underscore PSP-F2’s dual role as a nutrient-dense protein source and a potent immunomodulator, likely attributable to its synergistic protein-polysaccharide interactions. The results bridge traditional medicinal uses of L. edodes with modern biomedical applications, offering insights for developing mushroom-derived nutraceuticals or adjuvants to bolster immune health. This work provides a foundation for further exploration of fungal bioactives in dietary interventions, immune therapeutics, and personalized nutrition strategies targeting immune-related disorders.