Abstract:Fruiting bodies represent pivotal resources with medicinal and edible values, hosting a diverse array of microbes. Although studies have elucidated the composition and structures of bacterial communities inhabiting fruiting bodies, the diversity and biological functions of fruiting body-associated microbes remains elusive. The symbiotic associations between fruiting bodies and their microbial inhabitants play integral roles in promoting the growth, enhancing the adaptation to environmental stresses, and facilitating the accumulation of secondary metabolites of host fungi. Additionally, these fruiting body-associated microbes exhibit promising biomedical properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor activities. This paper reviews the recent advancements in the isolation and cultivation techniques of these associated microbes, delineates the diversity of associated bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi, elucidates their biological activities, and provide insights into the intricate interactions between associated microbes and their host fungi. This review offers avenues for the future research and utilization of fruiting body-associated microbes.