An Evaluation of the Immunological Activities of Commercially Available β1, 3-Glucans

β1,3-glucan’s role as a biologically active immunomodulator has been well documented for over 40 years. Interest in the immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides was initially raised after experiments showing that a crude yeast cell preparation stimulated macrophages via activation of the complement system.1 Further work identified the immunomodulatory active component as β1,3-glucan.2 Numerous studies (currently more than 1,600 publications) have subsequently shown that β1,3-glucans, either particulate or soluble, exhibit immunostimulating properties, including antibacterial and anti-tumor activities.3,4