Curdlan is a high molecular weight linear polymer consisting of β-(1 -> 3)-linked glucose residues. Curdlan is produced as a water-insoluble polysaccharide by the soil bacterium, Alcaligenes faecalis.
Curdlan is recognized by the membrane bound Dectin-1 receptor leading to the CARD9-dependent activation of NF-κB and MAP kinases [1]. Furthermore, Dectin-1 signaling activates the NFAT transcription factor. Recent data suggest that Curdlan is also recognized by the cytosolic NLRP3 inflammasome complex which cooperates with Dectin-1 resulting in a robust activation of IL-1β–mediated inflammatory response [2].
References:
- Goodridge HS. et al., 2009. Beta-glucan recognition by the innate immune system. Immunol Rev. 230(1):38-50.
- Kankkunen P., 2010. (1,3)-beta-glucans activate both dectin-1 and NLRP3 inflammasome in human macrophages. J Immunol. 184(11):6335-42.
