Українська версія | English version
THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL SUBJECT SCIENTIFIC DIGEST PIG BREEDING

and agroindustrial production

β-GLUCANS AS NATURAL IMMUNOSTIMULANTS IN AQUACULTURE


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UDC: УДК 639.3.04:57.083.3

DOI: 10.37143/2786-7730-2025-5-6(83-84)12

REFERENCIS АРА style: Tkaczenko H., & Kurhaluk N. (2025). β-glucans as natural immunostimulants in aquaculture. Svynarstvo i Ahropromyslove Vyrobnytstvo [Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production]. Poltava, 5–6(83–84), 184–194 [in Ukrainіаn].10.37143/2786-7730-2025-5-6(83-84)12

H. M. Tkaczenko,  Dr.Sci. (Biol.), Professor, Vice-Director of Institute of Biology
ORCID:https//orcid.org/0000-0003-3951-9005
E-mail:: halina.tkaczenko@upsl.edu.pl
Institute o f Biology, Pomeranian University in Slupsk, 22B, Arciszewskiego str., Slupsk, Poland 76- 200 ROR: https://ror.org/00h8nar58
N. M. Kurhaluk, Dr.Sci. (Biol.), Professor, Institute of Biology
ORCID:https//orcid.org/0000-0002-4669-1092
E-mail:natalia.kurhaluk@upsl.edu.pl
Institute o f Biology, Pomeranian University in Slupsk, 22B, Arciszewskiego str., Slupsk, Poland 76- 200 ROR: https://ror.org/00h8nar58

Manuscript was received/ 15.10.2025

Received after review/ 30.10.2025

Accepted for printing 15.11.2025

Available online/ 30.12.2025

Abstract

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors of global food production; however, the intensification of farming practices has resulted in increased disease prevalence, elevated stress levels in cultured fish and a growing dependence on antibiotics. These challenges highlight the urgent need for sustainable, environmentally safe and biologically effective alternatives for health management in aquaculture systems. The aim of this review was to analyse the immunostimulatory potential of β-glucans as natural feed additives in aquaculture, with particular emphasis on their mechanisms of action, physiological effects and practical applicability in intensive fish farming. The methods applied included a critical analysis and synthesis of experimental and review studies published in international peer-reviewed journals, focusing on molecular, cellular and organism-level responses of fish to β-glucan administration. Data concerning β-glucan structure, receptor-mediated recognition, immune signalling pathways and functional outcomes were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrate that β- glucans significantly enhance innate and adaptive immune responses in fish through activation of macrophages, neutrophils and other immune effector cells via pattern recognition receptors, including C-type lectins, complement- related receptors and Toll-like receptors. Their administration leads to increased phagocytic activity, cytokine production and improved resistance to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. In addition to immune modulation, β-glucans positively influence growth performance, antioxidant capacity, gut health and stress resilience under intensive aquaculture conditions. Evidence also suggests the induction of long-term functional reprogramming of innate immune cells, known as trained immunity, which may contribute to prolonged non-specific protection in teleost fish. The conclusions indicate that β- glucans represent one of the most promising natural immunostimulants for sustainable and antibiotic-free aquaculture. Nevertheless, variability in β-glucan sources, molecular structures, dosages and delivery methods remains a critical limitation. Further standardisation and advanced transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic studies are required to optimise their application and fully elucidate immune–endocrine interactions in fish.

Keywords: β-glucans, aquaculture, fish immunity, immunostimulation, functional feeds, disease resistance, sustainable production

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