The effect of beta-glucans on porcine leukocytes KU Leuven
beta-Glucans are conserved glucose polymers found in the cell walls of plants, fungi, yeasts and bacteria. They have the capacity to activate innate immunity, thereby enhancing defence barriers. Besides differences in type of linkage and branching, beta-glucans can vary in solubility, molecular mass, tertiary structure, polymer charge and solution conformation. All these characteristics may influence their immunomodulating effects. In this ...