The biological activities of mannans and related complex carbohydrates.
Complex polymers containing mannose (mannans) possess significant biological activity when administered to mammals. When given orally, they inhibit cholesterol absorption and induce hypocholesterolemia. If administered by other routes, they bind to mannose-binding proteins and induce macrophage activation and interleukin-1 release, inhibit viral replication, stimulate bone marrow activity, promote wound healing and inhibit tumor growth. This range of activities makes the mannans, potentially important biological-response modifiers and therapeutic agents.
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Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843.
Carpenter
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McAnalley
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Kemp
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D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008262:Macrophage Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008351:Mannans / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000090323:Mannose Receptor; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008351:Mannans; D000090323:Mannose Receptor; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic