Immunomodulatory Effect and Biological Significance of β-Glucans

beta-glucan, one of the homopolysaccharides composed of D-glucose, exists widely in cereals and microorganisms and possesses various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. More recently, there has been mounting proof that beta-glucan functions as a physiologically active biological response modulator (BRM), promoting dendritic cell maturation, cytokine secretion, and regulating adaptive immune responses-all of which are directly connected with beta-glucan-regulated glucan receptors. This review focuses on the sources, structures, immune regulation, and receptor recognition mechanisms of beta-glucan.

Automated summary

Beta-glucan, a homopolysaccharide composed of D-glucose, is widely found in cereals and microorganisms and possesses various biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Recent research has shown that beta-glucan acts as a physiologically active biological response modulator, promoting dendritic cell maturation, cytokine secretion, and regulating adaptive immune responses, all of which are directly connected to beta-glucan-regulated glucan receptors.