Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Beta-Glucan Induces Interferon-Gamma Production in Human T Cells Via IL-12

Beta (β)-Glucans are biological response modifiers with potent effects on the immune system. They are glucose polymers present in the cell walls of plants, fungi, and bacteria, and are considered to be pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). It has been reported that these polymers have a variety of effects on the immune system, including anti-tumor and anti-infective activities against fungal, bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections. In this study, we investigated the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-glucan on IFN-γ production capacity of T cells. After 6 days incubation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence or absence β-glucan, IFN-γ production and secretion were determined by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. β-glucan significantly upregulated IFN-γ production. In contrast, neutralization of IL-12 activity by anti-IL-12 decreased IFN-γ synthesis. These data suggest that β-glucan may support anti-tumour and anti-infective immune responses by increasing IL-12-induced IFN-γ production in T cells. Turk J Immunol, 2008; 13: 21-26 Key Word: β-glucan, IFN-γ, IL-12, T cells Received: 13.05.2008 Revised: 16.07.2008 Accepted: 22.09.2008