Abstract

beta-Glucans are a heterogeneous group of glucose polymers with a common structure comprising a main chain of beta-(1,3) and/or beta-(1,4)-glucopyranosyl units, along with side chains with various branches and lengths. beta-Glucans initiate immune responses via immune cells, which become activated by the binding of the polymer to specific receptors. However, beta-glucans from different sources also differ in their structure, conformation, physical properties, binding affinity to receptors, and thus biological functions. The mechanisms behind this are not fully understood. This mini-review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date commentary on the relationship between beta-glucans' structure and function in relation to their use for immunomodulation.

Keywords

beta-glucans; structure-function relationship; immunomodulation; molecular structure; molecular weight; solubility

Published in

Frontiers in Immunology
2020, Volume: 11, article number: 658
Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA

SLU Authors

• Baruah, Kartik

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Ghent University

UKÄ Subject classification

Pathobiology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00658

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/105999