Dextran T5 (MW 5,000) is a sulfated polysaccharide anti-apoptotic and autophagic agent. Dextran T5 (MW 5,000) has sulfated groups and interacts with cell membranes by mimicking endogenous glycosaminoglycans, inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and delaying DNA fragmentation to exert anti-apoptotic activity. Dextran T5 (MW 5,000) also promotes the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and the formation of autophagosomes to activate the autophagic pathway. Dextran T5 (MW 5,000) can prolong the survival cycle of CHO cells and increase the production of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO). The Dextran series of compounds are also natural polysaccharide drug carriers that can be connected to drugs through covalent bonding methods such as ester bonds, amide bonds or click chemistry, or self-assembled to form carriers such as nanoparticles and hydrogels. Dextran is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can achieve targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs. Dextran derivatives can prolong drug half-life, increase local concentration and reduce immune clearance activity. The Dextran series of compounds are also natural polysaccharide drug carriers that can be connected to drugs through covalent bonding methods such as ester bonds, amide bonds or click chemistry, or self-assembled to form carriers such as nanoparticles and hydrogels. Dextran is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can achieve targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs. Dextran derivatives can prolong the half-life of drugs, increase local concentrations, and reduce the activity of immune clearance.