β-Glucan: A dual regulator of apoptosis and cell proliferation

beta-Glucans are polysaccharides generally obtained from the cell wall of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and aleurone layer of cereals. beta-Glucans are polymers, with beta-1,3 glucose as core linear structure, but they differ in their main branch length, linkages and branching patterns, giving rise to high and low-molecular-weight beta-glucans. They are wellknown cell response modifiers with immune-modulating, nutraceutical and health beneficial effects, including anticancer and pro-apoptotic properties. beta-Glucan extracts have shown positive responses in controlling tumor cell proliferation and activation of the immune system. The immunomodulatory action of beta-glucans enhances the host's antitumor defense against cancer. In consonance with the above, many studies have shown that beta-glucan treatment leads to the induction of apoptotic death of cancer cells. The ability of beta-glucans to stimulate apoptotic pathways or the proteins involved in apoptosis prompting a new domain in cancer therapy. beta-glucan can be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer. However, there is a need to legitimize the beta-glucan type, as most of the studies include beta-glucan from different sources having different physicochemical properties. The body of literature presented here focuses on the effects of beta-glucan on immunomodulation, proliferation, cell death and the possible mechanisms and pathways involved in these processes. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides obtained from various sources, known for their immune-modulating, anticancer, and pro-apoptotic properties. Studies have shown that beta-glucan treatment can enhance the host's antitumor defense and induce apoptotic death of cancer cells, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.