Table 2 Functions of diverse beta-glucans and their application in cervical cancer

SPG

Human study

Promoting the recovery of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells

Treatment (adjuvant to radiotherapy)

[125]

SPG

Human study

Increasing the survival and recurrence time

Treatment (adjuvant to immunotherapy)

[126]

SPG

Human study

stimulating a rapid recovery of the immunologic parameters impaired by radiotherapy

Treatment (adjuvant to radiotherapy)

[127]

SPG

Human study

Increasing the survival and recurrence time

Treatment (in combination with irradiation therapy)

[128]

SPG

Human study

Increasing the number and secretion of TNF, IL-1 and IFN-gamma

Treatment

[129]

SPG

Human study

Augmentation helper T (Th) cell functions of pelvic lymph nodes

Treatment

[130, 131]

SPG

Human study

Increasing infiltration of Langerhans cells and improving local response to radiation treatment

Treatment

[132]

SPG

Human study

Augmentation of lymphocyte infiltration

Treatment

[133]

SPG

Human study

Augmentation of lymphocyte and Langerhans cell infiltration

Treatment

[134]

Curdlan

In vitro

More cytotoxicity and a broader distribution of loaded drug

Treatment (as drug carrier for epirubicin)

[135]

LBE

In vitro

Anti-cancer effects

Treatment

[136]

SCG

In vivo

Enhancing the hematopoietic response, recovering leukocyte population in peritoneal cavity

Treatment

[137]

PG101

In vivo

Induces the differentiation of progenitor cells to granulocytes and/or proliferation of the committed cells

Treatment

[138]

Zymosan

In vivo

Induction in the activity of peritoneal macrophages

Treatment

[139]

PBG

In vitro

Affects on both humoral and cellular immune response by increasing the cytotoxic and helper T cells and the release of IFN-γ

Treatment and prevention

[140]

Lentinan

–

Increasing drug efficacy

Treatment (combined with cisplatin and docetaxel)

[141]