Administration of β‐glucan following Leishmania major infection suppresses disease progression in mice

Abstract

The potential of beta-glucan (glucan) to suppress the progression of lesions caused by virulent strains of Leishmania major in genetically susceptible BALB/c mice when administered post challenge was evaluated. Glucan particles (glucanp) prepared from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were injected i.v. at 7-day intervals starting 7 days after parasite challenge. Four injections gave a more rapid and a higher extent of suppression than 1, 2 or 3 injections. Mice receiving only parasites, a glucose solution, starch particles or glucanp by the i.p. route showed a progressive increase in footpad thickness and developed ulcerating lesions. An alkali solubilized glucan (glucanas) was injected (50 micrograms, 200 micrograms and 400 micrograms/mouse) 4 times at 4 day intervals either i.v. or i.p. starting four days post parasite challenge. Glucanas injection by either route blocked lesion development; the 50 micrograms treatment had already substantial effects and 400 micrograms in the i.p. route prevented even the initial stages of lesion formation. Touch prints from the lesion area and from the liver of mice receiving 200 micrograms glucanas were amastigote free. The anti Leishmania antibody titre of glucanas treated mice was lower and their sera recognized fewer antigens than that of control Leishmania bearing mice.

Live Yeast and Yeast Cell Wall Supplements Enhance Immune Function and Performance in Food-Producing Livestock: A Review †,‡

“…More recent data suggests that direct binding occurs between yeast cell wall components as well as live yeast probiotics derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli , Salmonella , and Listeria [ 46 ]. Immune modulating compounds commonly found in yeast and yeast products also possess the ability to inhibit the onset of disease caused by protozoan and viruses [ 47 , 48 ]. Some research has specifically investigated the effects of yeast cell wall components on leukocytes, and researchers noted increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative bursts, and chemotaxis [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ].…”

Glucans as Biological Response Modifiers

“…The protective effect ofglucans was shown in experimental infection with Escherichia coli [86], Streptococcus suis [87], Staphylococcus aureus [88], Candida albicans [89], aspergillosis [90], Leishmania major [91], Toxoplasma gondii [92], Plasmodium berghei [93], Mesocestoides corti [94], Trypanosoma cruzi [95], and Eimeria vermiformis [96]. Regarding the threat of bioterrorism, it is particularly interesting that glucan has been found to prophylactically protect against anthrax infection [97].…”

Supplemental vitamin C and yeast cell wall β-glucan as growth enhancers in newborn pigs and as immunomodulators after an endotoxin challenge after weaning1

“…Beta-glucan is an immunomodulator that can be extracted from the cell walls of yeasts, fungi, and some grains. It has enhanced the innate immune system providing protection against bacterial (Onderdonk et al, 1992), protozoan (Goldman and Jaffe, 1991), and viral diseases (Rouhier et al, 1995). Mechanisms of action include activation of macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells, along with B and T lymphocytes and increased phagocytosis and cytokine production in macrophages in vivo (Seljelid et al, 1987) and in vitro (Hoffman et al, 1993).…”