Immune Netw.  2011 Aug;11(4):191-195. 10.4110/in.2011.11.4.191.

Stimulatory Effect of beta-glucans on Immune Cells

• Kim HS
• Hong JT
• Kim Y
• Han SB

• KMID: 1449809
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4110/in.2011.11.4.191

Abstract

beta-Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that are produced by bacteria, yeast, fungi, and many plants. Although their pharmacological activities, such as immunomodulatory, anti-infective and anti-cancer effects, have been well studied, it is still unclear how beta-glucans exert their activities. However, recent studies on the beta-glucan receptors shed some light on their mechanism of action. Since beta-glucans have large molecular weights, they must bind surface receptors to activate immune cells. In this review, we summarize the immunopharmacological activities and the potential receptors of beta-glucans in immune cells.

Keyword

beta-glucan; Receptors; Immune cells

MeSH Terms

Bacteria
beta-Glucans
Fungi
Light
Molecular Weight
Polysaccharides
Receptors, Immunologic
Yeasts
Polysaccharides
Receptors, Immunologic
beta-Glucans

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