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Cell-mediated immune responses of beta-glucan on the pathogenesis of chronic tuberculosis infection

Shreya Chakraborty1, Devi Rajeswari V1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Frontiers in Immunology
|May 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Beta-glucan, a polysaccharide, may boost the immune system to fight tuberculosis (TB) infection. This study explores beta-glucan

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading global cause of infectious disease mortality, with millions infected and dying annually.
  • Beta-glucan, a polysaccharide with immunomodulatory effects, is recognized for its role in immune and metabolic regulation.
  • Understanding beta-glucan's impact on host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is crucial for TB management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between beta-glucan and tuberculosis infection.
  • To elucidate the physiopathology and clinical implications of beta-glucan in TB.
  • To explore the immunological responses influenced by beta-glucan.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on beta-glucan's immunomodulatory mechanisms.
  • Analysis of studies on beta-glucan's effects on macrophage activation and cytokine modulation.
  • Examination of research on trained immunity in the context of TB.

Main Results:

  • Beta-glucan may enhance host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis through trained immunity.
  • It can activate macrophages and modulate cytokine production, influencing TB susceptibility.
  • Potential therapeutic applications of beta-glucan in TB management are suggested.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-glucan shows promise in enhancing host defense against tuberculosis.
  • Its immunomodulatory properties offer a potential avenue for novel TB treatment strategies.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand beta-glucan's role in TB pathogenesis and treatment.
Keywords:
T-lymphocytesbeta-glucanbiomarkersimmune systempathogenesistuberculosis

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