The recognition of conserved microbial structures is a key aspect of metazoan immunity, and beta-glucans are emerging as a major target for the recognition of fungal pathogens. A number of receptors for these carbohydrates have been identified, which upon recognition, trigger a variety of immune responses. In contrast to many other systems, there is little apparent conservation in these mechanisms between vertebrates and invertebrates. In this review, we will highlight all the known receptors for beta-glucans and will discuss the various immune responses they can initiate, with reference to fungal infection, in both vertebrates and invertebrates.
PubMed Disclaimer
Similar articles
Beta-glucans as immunostimulant in vertebrates and invertebrates.Soltanian S, Stuyven E, Cox E, Sorgeloos P, Bossier P.Crit Rev Microbiol. 2009;35(2):109-38. doi: 10.1080/10408410902753746.PMID: 19514911Review.
Medicinal importance of fungal beta-(1–>3), (1–>6)-glucans.Chen J, Seviour R.Mycol Res. 2007 Jun;111(Pt 6):635-52. doi: 10.1016/j.mycres.2007.02.011. Epub 2007 Mar 7.PMID: 17590323Review.
The biological role of dectin-1 in immune response.Sun L, Zhao Y.Int Rev Immunol. 2007 Sep-Dec;26(5-6):349-64. doi: 10.1080/08830180701690793.PMID: 18027205Review.
Dectin-1 and its role in antifungal immunity.Kimberg M, Brown GD.Med Mycol. 2008 Nov;46(7):631-6. doi: 10.1080/13693780802140907.PMID: 18608924Review.
Innate immunity against moulds: lessons learned from invertebr
This 2005 review examined the molecular mechanisms by which mammalian immune cells specifically recognize fungal β-glucans as foreign pathogens.
Dectin-1 was identified as the primary receptor for β-1,3-glucans, triggering phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and cytokine production. Complement receptor 3 (CR3) provides an additional recognition pathway. Together these receptors enable rapid innate immune responses to fungal β-glucan structures.
Identifying specific receptors for β-glucans is foundational to understanding how Aureobasidium pullulans-derived β-glucan modulates human immunity. Dectin-1 engagement likely underlies many observed immunostimulatory effects of beta glucan supplementation.
AI-generated summary for accessibility. Always refer to the original paper.
Brown, Gordon D.; Gordon, Siamon. Immune recognition of fungal β-glucans. Cellular Microbiology. 2005. DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2005.00505.x.
For scientific reference only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional. See our Medical Disclaimer.