Stimulatory Effect of beta-glucans on Immune Cells.
- Author:
Hyung Sook KIM
1
;
Jin Tae HONG
;
Youngsoo KIM
;
Sang Bae HAN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: beta-glucan; Receptors; Immune cells
- MeSH: Bacteria; beta-Glucans; Fungi; Light; Molecular Weight; Polysaccharides; Receptors, Immunologic; Yeasts
- From:Immune Network 2011;11(4):191-195
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- 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.
