Varying Effects of Different β-Glucans on the Maturation of Porcine Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells

Abstract

␤-Glucans are well known for their immunomodulatory capacities in humans and mice. For this reason, together with the European ban on growth-promoting antibiotics, ␤-glucans are intensively used in pig feed. However, as shown in the present study, there is much variation in the stimulatory capacities of ␤-glucans from different sources. Since dendritic cells (DCs) are the first cells that are encountered after an antigen is taken up by the intestinal epithelial cell barrier, we decided to investigate the effect of two concentrations (5 and 10 g/ml) of five commercial ␤-glucan preparations, differing in structure and source, on porcine monocytederived dendritic cells (MoDCs). Although all ␤-glucans gave rise to a significant reduction of the phagocytic activity of DCs, only Macrogard induced a significant phenotypic maturation. In addition to Macrogard, zymosan, another ␤-glucan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and curdlan also significantly improved the T-cell-stimulatory capacity of MoDCs. Most interesting, however, is the cytokine secretion profile of curdlanstimulated MoDCs, since only curdlan induced significant higher expression levels of interleukin-1␤ (IL-1␤), IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12/IL-23p40. Since the cytokine profile of DCs influences the outcome of the ensuing immune response and thus may prove valuable in intestinal immunity, a careful choice is necessary when ␤-glucans are used as dietary supplement.

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Nutritional Study Using an Insoluble Yeast Beta-Glucan to Improve the Immune Defense System

“…It is known that various beta-glucan preparations have different effects on the immune system, where not only the size and the degree of branching are responsible but also the solubility [7,9,20]. One explanation could be the fact that for activation of the Dectin-1 receptor, whole beta-glucans are necessary, as shown very recently.…”

“…Highly polymer betaglucans with a molecular weight of 100,000 Da -200,000 Da expressed the highest immune stimulating activity, whereas fractions of very short beta-glucans between 5000 Da -10,000 Da, extracted from the same organism, exhibited no activity [8]. Further investigations showed that particles with -(1,6) branching together with - (1,3) branching are more effective than -(1,3) branching alone [9]. It seems that at least for common cold prevention, soluble (1,3)-(1,4)--glucan prepared from oat is not effective [10].…”

β‐Glucans are involved in immune‐modulation of THP‐1 macrophages

“…However, impurities such as starch and soluble/insoluble dietary fibre, which are possibly present in these extracts, may affect cell responses. [].…”

Isolation and Purification of Glucans from an Italian Cultivar of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. and In Vitro Effect on Skin Repair

“…This structural aspect could influence the cell migration. Glucans, particular β-glucans in which the J3 fraction is rich, are able to act into the maturation of monocyte-derivatives dendritic cells as well as macrophage chemotactic recall into skin damage, both wound and surgical cut [36,37]. Furthermore, it is worth noting that only recently, four types of β-glucans extracted from different cereals promote epithelial cell migration.…”