Advancing β-Glucan-Based Immunomodulation and Nanotherapeutic Strategies for Cancer Biotherapy.

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Oncology
• Biochemistry and Nanotechnology

Background:

• Beta-glucans are diverse polysaccharides with immunomodulatory properties.
• Evidence suggests beta-glucans have direct and adjunct antitumor effects.
• Current applications are primarily nutraceutical, with limited translation to advanced cancer biotherapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms of beta-glucan-induced immunostimulation.
• To examine advancements in beta-glucan formulation engineering for cancer therapy.
• To analyze the clinical translation, safety, and standardization of beta-glucans in oncology.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical and clinical evidence on beta-glucan function and application.
• Analysis of beta-glucan structure-activity relationships (linkage type, branching, etc.).
• Examination of novel formulation strategies including nanoparticles and micelles.

Main Results:

• Beta-glucan structure significantly influences immune receptor engagement and response.
• Engineered beta-glucan formulations demonstrate enhanced drug delivery and antitumor effects in preclinical models.
• Clinical translation shows promise for beta-glucans as adjuvants in various cancer therapies.

Conclusions:

• Beta-glucans are promising multifunctional immunomodulators and drug delivery enhancers for cancer therapy.
• Standardization of extraction, characterization, and delivery is crucial for clinical success.
• Further research is essential for advancing personalized cancer immunotherapy and combinatorial regimens.