β-Glucan Receptors

Author(s): Alexandra E. Clark, Ann M. Kerrigan and Gordon D. Brown

Pp: 19-38 (20)

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

β-Glucans are naturally occurring carbohydrates found in plants, fungi and some bacterial species. They possess immunomodulating activities, but their mechanisms of action are not well understood. β-Glucans are recognised by the vertebrate immune system via pattern recognition receptors such as Dectin-1. Recent studies of Dectin-1 and other β-glucan receptors have enabled us to begin to unravel the mechanisms underlying the immune stimulating properties of these carbohydrates. There is also a strong evidence that β-glucan recognition is an important component of anti-fungal immunity. Here we will review the mammalian β-glucan receptors, with a particular focus on Dectin-1.

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