(1→3,1→6)-β-D-glucans of yeasts and fungi and their biological activity

摘要: Abstract Glucans, or polymers of D-glucose linked by (1→3)-β and (1→6)-β glycosidic linkages are the common polysaccharides fungal cell wall. They usually located in inner part wall play role skeletal polysaccharide contributing to shape rigidity The β-glucan molecules interlinked hydrogen bonds sometimes occur a complex with other polysaccharides, such as chitin. β-Glucans isolated from various yeast species may have different molecular weight structural parameters degree branching length side-chains which affect their solubility water. Many β-glucans possess remarkable ability enhance immune system, i.e. act immunomodulators. Numerous studies demonstrated activity biological response modifiers that able exert beneficial effect host demonstrating antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral antiparasitic activities. Some attempted correlate individual spatial structure helical conformation. However neither correlation nor precise mechanism activation system been unambiguously proven. present article reviews existing knowledge on immunological provides some recent results radioprotective antimutagenic baker's yeast.