curdlan

Curdlan is a high-molecular-weight linear polysaccharide consisting of beta-(1,3)-linked glucose residues, produced by the bacterium *Alcaligenes faecalis* var. *myxogenes*. In biomedical research, it is primarily utilized as a potent pharmacological tool to induce systemic inflammation and autoimmune-like conditions in specific animal models, most notably the SKG mouse model of spondyloarthritis. Curdlan acts as a specific agonist for **Dectin-1** (C-type lectin domain family 7 member A), a pattern recognition receptor predominantly expressed on myeloid cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. Activation of the Dectin-1 pathway by curdlan triggers the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly the IL-23/IL-17 axis, which leads to the development of peripheral arthritis, spinal inflammation, and eventual ankylosis. Beyond its use as a research reagent, curdlan is employed in the food industry as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer due to its unique ability to form elastic gels upon heating.

Other names

beta-1,3-glucancurdlan gumE424E-424E 424