1,3-1,4-β-D-glucan (MLG)

1,3-1,4-β-D-glucan, also known as mixed-linkage glucan (MLG) or lichenin, is a linear polysaccharide composed of D-glucose units linked by both β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. It is a major structural component of the cell walls in cereal grains like oats and barley, and it is also found in certain fungi, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, and some bacteria. Biologically, it serves as a dietary fiber that can lower blood cholesterol and regulate glucose levels by increasing the viscosity of intestinal contents and sequestering bile acids. In the context of immunology, it acts as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) recognized by the innate immune system through receptors like Dectin-1 and Complement Receptor 3 (CR3), thereby modulating immune responses. While not a traditional drug target for inhibition, it is a critical diagnostic target (biomarker) for identifying invasive fungal infections and is being explored as a therapeutic immunomodulator in cancer and infectious diseases.

Other names

Mixed-linkage glucanCereal beta-glucanLicheninLichenan(1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan

Recognition by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to modulate innate immune responses; physical sequestration of bile acids in the gut to lower cholesterol.