b-Glucan, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CAS 9012-72-0)

β-Glucan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a polysaccharide composed of glucose monomers linked by β-glycosidic bonds, has garnered significant interest in scientific research due to its immunomodulatory properties and potential applications across various fields. In research, β-glucan is primarily studied for its role as an immunostimulant, capable of activating the innate immune system through interaction with specific receptors on immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. Upon recognition by pattern recognition receptors like Dectin-1, β-glucan triggers downstream signaling cascades, leading to the activation of immune responses such as phagocytosis, cytokine production, and antigen presentation. Furthermore, researchers have investigated the potential of β-glucan in various disease models, including infectious diseases, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. Studies have shown that β-glucan supplementation can enhance host defense mechanisms against pathogens, promote antitumor immune responses, and alleviate inflammatory responses in experimental models. Moreover, β-glucan has been explored for its applications in food and nutrition research, where it serves as a functional ingredient due to its prebiotic effects, cholesterol-lowering properties, and potential modulation of gut microbiota composition. Overall, the immunomodulatory effects and diverse research applications of β-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae make it a promising compound for further investigation in both basic and applied research domains.