Molecular Interactions of β-(1→3)-Glucans with Their Receptors

This review describes molecular recognition of beta-1,3-glucans by human, animal, and microbial receptors. It covers immune receptors including Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3, as well as glycolipids, langerin, and carbohydrate-binding modules involved in binding or degradation. The authors emphasize that responses depend on characteristics such as molecular weight, branching, conformation, and solubility, and that several recognition mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The article is a mechanistic review and does not compare clinical outcomes or establish the potency of any particular commercial beta-glucan.