The effects of β-glucans (1,3/1,6) on autoimmune diseases are complex and can vary depending on the context and specific condition:

1. Immune-Modulating Effects:

   • β-glucans are known to be potent immunomodulators that can enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses¹. They activate immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells primarily through the Dectin-1 receptor, leading to the production of cytokines and other immune responses².

2. Potential Risks for Autoimmune Conditions:

   • In certain autoimmune contexts, β-glucans may exacerbate symptoms. For example, β-glucans have been shown to trigger autoimmunity in genetically susceptible mice, leading to conditions such as autoimmune arthritis³. The stimulation of dendritic cells and subsequent immune activation can provoke or worsen autoimmunity in susceptible individuals.

3. Potential Benefits:

   • Conversely, β-glucans also have anti-inflammatory properties and can downregulate autoimmune inflammation. In specific models of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, β-glucan variants have been shown to mitigate disease symptoms⁴. Furthermore, β-glucans have been reported to enhance the intestinal barrier and support overall immune function, which could be beneficial in managing some immune-related conditions⁵.

4. Clinical and Dietary Considerations:

   • The effectiveness and safety of β-glucans can depend on factors such as dose, purity, and form of β-glucan used. Clinical trials with dietary insoluble yeast β-glucans in humans have indicated safety and immune-strengthening effects⁶.

In summary, the effect of β-glucans on autoimmune diseases can be both beneficial and detrimental, highly dependent on the individual's specific condition and genetic predisposition. Therefore, it is crucial to consult healthcare providers before using β-glucans as part of a management strategy for autoimmune diseases.

Footnotes

1. Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan, "The effects of β-glucan on human immune and cancer cells," NCBI, 2009. ↩

2. Helen S. Goodridge, "β-glucan Recognition by the Innate Immune System," NCBI, 2024. ↩

3. Hiroyuki Yoshitomi, "A role for fungal β-glucans and their receptor Dectin-1 in the induction of autoimmune arthritis in genetically susceptible mice," NCBI, 2004. ↩

4. Cecilia Fahlquist-Hagert, "Variants of beta-glucan polysaccharides downregulate autoimmune inflammation," PubMed, 2022. ↩

5. Shimaa A. Amer, "Effect of 1,3-Beta Glucans Dietary Addition on the Growth, Intestinal Histology, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Immune Response, and Immune Expression of CD3 and CD20 in Broiler Chickens," NCBI, 2022. ↩

6. Heike Stier, "Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan," NCBI, 2014. ↩