The Immunomodulatory Properties of β-2,6 Fructans: A Comprehensive Review

Nutrients

Dimitrios Latousakis¹  IanD. Young¹  Nathalie Juge¹ 

[1] Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK;

关键词: fructan;    levan;    immunomodulatory;    microbiota;    gut health;    immunity;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu13041309

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Polysaccharides such as β-2,1-linked fructans including inulin or fructose oligosaccharides are well-known prebiotics with recognised immunomodulatory properties. In recent years, other fructan types covering β-2,6-linked fructans, particularly microbial levans, have gained increasing interest in the field. β-2,6-linked fructans of different degrees of polymerisation can be synthesised by plants or microbes including those that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. Accumulating evidence suggests a role for these β-2,6 fructans in modulating immune function. Here, we provide an overview of the sources and structures of β-2,6 fructans from plants and microbes and describe their ability to modulate immune function in vitro and in vivo along with the suggested mechanisms underpinning their immunomodulatory properties. Further, we discuss the limitations and perspectives pertinent to current studies and the potential applications of β-2,6 fructans including in gut health.

【 授权许可】

Unknown