Structure-Functional Activity Relationship of β-Glucans From the Perspective of Immunomodulation: A Mini-Review.

ABSTRACT: β-Glucans are a heterogeneous group of glucose polymers with a common structure comprising a main chain of β-(1,3) and/or β-(1,4)-glucopyranosyl units, along with side chains with various branches and lengths. β-Glucans initiate immune responses via immune cells, which become activated by the binding of the polymer to specific receptors. However, β-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 β-glucans' structure and function in relation to their use for immunomodulation.

SUBMITTER: Han B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7188827 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature