Mannan
Mannan is a polysaccharide, a type of complex carbohydrate, composed of mannose monosaccharide units linked together. It is a common component of the cell walls of fungi and yeasts, where it plays a structural role. Mannan can also be found in the cell walls of some bacteria and plants, though its prevalence and specific structure may vary. In biological contexts, mannan is recognized by the immune system and can trigger immune responses. This interaction is significant in understanding host-pathogen interactions and in the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for fungal infections.
The structure of mannan can be linear or branched, depending on the organism and the specific enzymes