Mannosides

Mannosides are a class of carbohydrates that contain mannose as the monosaccharide unit. Mannose is an epimer of glucose, meaning it differs in the configuration at the second carbon atom. Mannosides can exist in various forms, including monosaccharides (mannose itself), disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

In biological systems, mannosides play important roles. Mannose is a component of many glycoproteins, which are proteins with attached carbohydrate chains. These glycoproteins are found on cell surfaces and are involved in cell recognition, cell adhesion, and immune responses. For example, mannose residues on the surface of bacteria and fungi can be recognized by mannose receptors on immune cells, triggering an inflammatory response.

Oligosaccharides containing mannose, such as mannooligosaccharides (MOS), have gained attention for their potential prebiotic properties. These compounds are not digested by host enzymes but can be fermented by beneficial gut bacteria, promoting their growth. This can lead to improvements in gut health and immune function.

Polysaccharides composed of mannose units, like mannan, are also found in nature, particularly in the cell walls of yeast and plants. Mannans can have diverse structures and functions, including structural support and energy storage. The study of mannosides is important in fields ranging from glycobiology and immunology to nutrition and food science.