Structural characterization and application of antiviral polysaccharides

Recently, there are many risks of viral infections because emerging and re-emerging viruses have appeared and spread worldwide. Under these situations, management of viral infectious diseases becomes a relevant subject for public health. For this purpose, both of development of novel antiviral drugs and stimulation of host immunity such as innate and adaptive immune systems are promising strategies. Polysaccharides are the most abundant natural resources, and possess various biological effects. During the last decade, polysaccharides have been paid attention to as important medicinal and functional food resources, and many studies on their chemical structures and biological effects have been conducted. Especially, natural polysaccharides might be important molecules because of their useful biological activities such as antiviral and immunomodulating effects. In this chapter, we will introduce the nature of polysaccharides and their useful biological effects on the control of viral infectious diseases.