A Report on Fungal (1→3)-α-<span style="font-variant: small-caps">d</span>-glucans: Properties, Functions and Application

• Main Authors: Katarzyna Złotko, Adrian Wiater, Adam Waśko, Małgorzata Pleszczyńska, Roman Paduch, Jolanta Jaroszuk-Ściseł, Andrzej Bieganowski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-11-01
• Series: Molecules
• Subjects: fungi; cell walls; polysaccharides; (1→3)-α-<span style="font-variant: small-caps">d</span>-glucans
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/21/3972

The cell walls of fungi are composed of glycoproteins, chitin, and &#945;- and &#946;-glucans. Although there are many reports on &#946;-glucans, &#945;-glucan polysaccharides are not yet fully understood. This review characterizes the physicochemical properties and functions of (1&#8594;3)-&#945;-<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-glucans. Particular attention has been paid to practical application and the effect of glucans in various respects, taking into account unfavourable effects and potential use. The role of &#945;-glucans in plant infection has been proven, and collected facts have confirmed the characteristics of <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i> infection associated with the presence of glucan in fungal cell wall. Like &#946;-glucans, there are now evidence that &#945;-glucans can also stimulate the immune system. Moreover, &#945;-<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-glucans have the ability to induce mutanases and can thus decompose plaque.