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World J Clin Oncol. Feb 10, 2011; 2(2): 115-119
Published online Feb 10, 2011. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v2.i2.115
Published online Feb 10, 2011. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v2.i2.115
Glucan-immunostimulant, adjuvant, potential drug
Vaclav Vetvicka, Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Author contributions: Vetvicka V solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Vaclav Vetvicka, PhD, Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, 511 S. Floyd, Louisville, KY 40202, United States. vaclav.vetvicka@louisville.edu
Telephone: +1-502-8521612 Fax: +1-502-8521177
Received: June 23, 2010
Revised: September 15, 2010
Accepted: September 22, 2010
Published online: February 10, 2011
Revised: September 15, 2010
Accepted: September 22, 2010
Published online: February 10, 2011
Abstract
β-glucans belong to a group of biologically active natural compounds called biological response modifiers. These substances represent highly conserved structural components of cell walls in fungi, yeast, grain and seaweed. Despite almost 160 years of intensive research, the exact mechanisms of their action remain unsolved. The significant role of glucans in cancer treatment, infection immunity, stress reduction and restoration of damaged bone marrow has already been established. The present review focuses on the various less known but potentially significant roles glucans might play in medicine. In summary, glucan might represent the most important natural immunomodulator.
Keywords: Biological Response Modifiers; Cancer; CR3; Glucan; Immunity; Immunomodulators; Resveratrol