Effect of glucan on neutrophil dynamics and immune function in Escherichia coli peritonitis

Laminarin, a soluble beta-glucan, inhibits macrophage phagocytosis of zymosan but has no effect on lipopolysaccharide mediated augmentation of phagocytosis

“…We and others describe the inhibitory effects of beta-glucans on macrophage phagocytosis of zymosan or S. cerevisiae [12,13,16]; other investigators have demonstrated improved resistance and enhanced phagocytosis of microbes [10,17]. For example, a study of chick immunity to Salmonella enteritidis showed increased resistance in chicks fed beta-glucans, which was also accompanied by enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of bacteria observed in peritoneal cells exposed to beta-glucans in vitro [17].…”

“…In addition to their role as PAMPs, beta-glucans are also recognized as potent immunomodulators that enhance tumoricidal cytotoxic activity [9], increase neutrophil phagocytosis [10], and enhance macrophage antiviral resistance [11]. However, other studies report that beta-glucans have suppressive effects on macrophage activities, including phagocytosis of S. cerevisiae [12] and also suppression of zymosan phagocytosis [13].…”

β-Glucan administration enhances disease resistance and some innate immune responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

“…In mice, both intravenous and ip glucan injection resulted in increased bone marrow proliferation [31,32]. On the other hand Jorgensen et al [33] observed that 3 weeks after ip injection of glucan in salmon did not produce changes in mean values of head kidney macrophages in both glucan and saline treated salmon although the number of neutrophils increased significantly in the head kidney of the glucan treated salmon.…”

Polysaccharide Immunomodulators as Therapeutic Agents: Structural Aspects and Biologic Function

“…It significantly increased the number of circulating neutrophils in animals and enhanced bone marrow proliferation. Neutrophils from glucan-treated mice showed increased phagocytosis of E. coli in vitro (77). Subsequent work with PGG-glucan, a highly purified proprietary ␤-(1-3)-glucan with ␤-1,6 branches demonstrated similar activity.…”