Immunological Actions of Sophy β‐Glucan (β‐1,3‐1,6 Glucan), Currently Available Commercially as a Health Food Supplement

Abstract

-4). In these blocking experiments using the mAbs, the main differences in the results between PBMCs and U937 cells were that the mAbs against TLR-2 and TLR-4 did not block the Sophy ␤-glucan-induced production of IL-8 in the U937 cells. Furthermore, a mAb to the ␤-glucan receptor, Dectin-1, significantly (P<0.05) blocked the Sophy ␤-glucaninduced DNA synthesis in the PBMCs, and Sophy ␤-glucan-induced production of IL-8 in the U937 cells. The Sophy ␤-glucan-induced production of IL-8 in the U937 cells was significantly (P<0.01) blocked by the conventional protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Go6976, the novel PKC inhibitor Rottlerin, the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89, and the protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor herbimycin A. Among these, the blocking effect of the novel PKC (PKC delta isoenzyme) inhibitor Rottlerin was the most pronounced. Studies employing reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that Sophy ␤-glucan stimulated the expression of IL-8 mRNA in the U937 cells, and that this induction was inhibited by Rottlerin. Sophy ␤-glucan also blocked the stimulator cell induction of DNA synthesis and IFN-␥ production in the responder cells in a one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) using allogenic PBMCs. Interestingly, immunoglobulin G (IgG), but not IgM to Sophy ␤-glucan was detected in the sera derived from normal adult donors and from the umbilical cord blood of neonates. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that the Sophy ␤-glucan may have unique immune regulatory or enhancing properties that could be exploited by the health food, medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Baker's Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplement Reduces Upper Respiratory Symptoms and Improves Mood State in Stressed Women

“…In 3 previously published clinical trials, beta-1,3/1,6-glucan derived from bakers yeast (beta-glucan) has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of URTI symptoms in healthy subjects [15], physically stressed subjects [16], and healthy-stressed subjects [17]. The mechanism of action by which beta-glucan enhances the activity of innate immune cells has been extensively described [18][19][20] with increased survival in animals challenged with a variety of pathogens in vivo [21][22][23].…”

Aureobasidium-Derived Soluble Branched (1,3-1,6) β-Glucan (Sophy β-glucan) Enhances Natural Killer Activity in Leishmania amazonensis-Infected Mice

“…However, Dectin-1 is thought to be the main b-glucan receptor involved in innate and adaptive immune responses to foreign antigens and pathogens, including b-glucan as an immune function stimulator [15]. Ikewaki et al [16] proved that Dectin-1 is the Sophy b-glucan receptor with the cooperation of TLR-2 and TLR-4. Their study also proved that Sophy b-glucan has immunoregulatory functions and act as a biological response modifier.…”

The (1→6)-β-Glucan Moiety Represents a Cross-Reactive Epitope of Infection-Induced Malignancy Surveillance

“…In China and Japan, mushroom-derived extracts rich in b-glucans are approved for use as adjuncts to cancer chemotherapy. Much progress has been made in recent years on our understanding of how b-glucans modulate innate immunity at the cellular and molecular levels (43)(44)(45). Several membrane-associated b-glucan-specific pattern recognition receptors, such as Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3, have been identified (4).…”

“…Several membrane-associated b-glucan-specific pattern recognition receptors, such as Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3, have been identified (4). Intracellular signal transduction pathways that are activated by b-glucans and how modulation of these signaling pathways alleviates disease have also been intensely investigated (4,5,(43)(44)(45). It will be of great interest to test whether the (1→6)-b-glucan moieties of tumor cells could be directly recognized by pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune cells (e.g., phagocytes and dendritic cells), thereby triggering tumoricidal attack.…”