Summary
Oligosaccharides represent an important class of bioactive compounds with diverse structure-dependent functionalities. While traditionally investigated for prebiotic effects on gut microbiota, increasing evidence shows that they can also interact directly with intestinal and immune cell receptors (e.g., pattern recognition receptors, C-type lectin receptors, G-protein coupled receptors, and scavenger receptors), influencing inflammation, mucosal immunity, and epithelial barrier function. In a circular bioeconomy context, oligosaccharides offer an underexplored sustainable route for upcycling agro-industrial and forestry biomass by converting polysaccharides into structurally tailored products. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the direct effects of plant-derived oligosaccharides
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