Deciphering the Structure-Immunomodulatory Function Relationships of Homopolysaccharides

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Immunology
• Glycobiology
• Food Science

Background:

• Natural homopolysaccharides (HoPSs) are increasingly recognized for their bioactive properties and relevance to human health.
• Understanding the relationship between HoPS structure and their immunomodulatory activity is crucial for harnessing their benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on HoPS extraction, structural characterization, and structure-immunomodulatory activity relationships.
• To propose a hierarchical framework integrating HoPS structure-function relationships.
• To identify research gaps and suggest future directions for HoPS research and application.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature synthesis and integration of existing studies.
• Development of a unified hierarchical framework for HoPS structure-function relationships.
• Analysis of evidence from cellular signaling pathways, gut microbiota, and metabolite interactions.

Main Results:

• HoPSs exhibit anti-infection and anti-inflammatory effects, along with nutritional and metabolic benefits.
• A hierarchical framework is proposed, organizing HoPS structure-function relationships into primary recognition, mid-level regulation, and functional refinement.
• Key structural determinants include molecular weight, glycosidic linkages, chain conformation, branching, and chemical modifications.

Conclusions:

• HoPSs possess significant immunomodulatory and health-promoting properties.
• The proposed framework provides a structured reference for future investigations into HoPSs.
• Further research focusing on precise structural elucidation and multidimensional studies is needed for optimizing HoPSs in functional foods and medicine.