Insights on the Functional Role of Beta-Glucans in Fungal Immunity Using Receptor-Deficient Mouse Models

Abstract

Understanding the host anti-fungal immunity induced by beta-glucan has been one of the most challenging conundrums in the field of biomedical research. During the last couple of decades, insights on the role of beta-glucan in fungal disease progression, susceptibility, and resistance have been greatly augmented through the utility of various beta-glucan cognate receptor-deficient mouse models. Analysis of dectin-1 knockout mice has clarified the downstream signaling pathways and adaptive effector responses triggered by beta-glucan in anti-fungal immunity. On the other hand, assessment of CR3-deficient mice has elucidated the compelling action of beta-glucans in neutrophil-mediated fungal clearance, and the investigation of EphA2-deficient mice has highlighted its novel involvement in host sensing and defense to oral mucosal fungal infection. Based on these accounts, this review focuses on the recent discoveries made by these gene-targeted mice in beta-glucan research with particular emphasis on the multifaceted aspects of fungal immunity.

Synthesis and Study of Antifungal Properties of New Cationic Beta-Glucan Derivatives

“…The antibacterial properties of beta-glucans are also known and well described [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ], but little is known about their direct action on fungi and possible direct antifungal activity. So far, research has focused on understanding the interactions between host cells (mainly animal) and beta-glucan and the host anti-fungal immunity induced by this compound [ 32 ].…”

Nucleic acid sensing Toll-like receptors 3 and 9 play complementary roles in the development of bacteremia after nasal colonization associated with influenza co-infection

“…Recent development of various molecular biological techniques has enabled to elucidate detailed mechanisms for many diseases, however, establishing animal models is still a critical way to better reflect disease progression, such as infectious diseases that always require to evaluate host-pathogen’s interactions [ 1 , 2 ]. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive bacterium which is a particular challenge for neonates and the elderly adults.…”

Blocking DCIR mitigates colitis and prevents colorectal tumors by enhancing the GM-CSF-STAT5 pathway

“…In this context, we previously showed that the CLR Dectin-1, which recognizes b-glucans on fungal cell walls and plays an important role in protection from fungal infection by inducing cytokines and T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation through activation of an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in the cytoplasmic domain (Saijo et al, 2007;Tang et al, 2015;Desamero et al, 2021), induces antimicrobial protein S100A8 in the intestine by binding b-glucans in foods (Tang et al, 2015). Because the S100A8/A9 complex inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Lactobacillus murinus that can induce regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation, Treg cell levels are low in mice fed food containing normal levels of b-glucans (Tang et al, 2015).…”