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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Cite this chapter as:
Alexandra E. Clark, Ann M. Kerrigan, Gordon D. Brown ;β-Glucan Receptors, Biology and Chemistry of Beta Glucan Vol: 1 Beta Glucans - Mechanisms of Action (2011) 1: 19. https://doi.org/10.2174/978160805210311101010019
DOI https://doi.org/10.2174/978160805210311101010019 |
Print ISSN 2211-0526 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |