Stimulatory Effect of β-glucans on Immune Cells.
β-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 β-glucans exert their activities. However, recent studies on the β-glucan receptors shed some light on their mechanism of action. Since β-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 β-glucans in immune cells.
College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Korea.
Hyung Sook
HS
Kim
Jin Tae
JT
Hong
Youngsoo
Y
Kim
Sang-Bae
SB
Han