Abstract The recognition of conserved microbial structures is a key aspect of metazoan immunity, and beta-glucans are emerging as a major target for the recognition of fungal pathogens. A number of receptors for these carbohydrates have been identified, which upon recognition, trigger a variety of immune responses. In contrast to
Abstract Purpose: The Basidiomycete fungus Agaricus blazei Murill has traditionally been used as a health food for the prevention of cancer. Methods: We examined whether beta-(1–6)-D-glucan extracted from A. blazei is a potential anticancer agent in an in vitro and in vivo animal model. Results: Here we show that (1) beta-glucan had cytotoxic effect against human
Abstract β-Glucans are major structural components of fungi. We have recently reported that the pathogenic fungus Pneumocystis carinii assembles a β-glucan-rich cell wall that potently activates alveolar macrophages to release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Purified P. carinii β-glucans predictably induce both cytokine generation and associated neutrophilic lung inflammation. Herein, we demonstrate that P. carinii β-glucan-induced macrophage