β-Glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae Induces IFN-γ Production In Vivo in BALB/c Mice

Aim: β-Glucan is one of the most abundant polymers in nature and has been established as an immunomodulator. This compound has notable physiological effects on mammalian immune systems, including anti-tumor and anti-infective activities and can activate the immune response. It is considered that the immune-stimulating activities of β-glucan can depend on physicochemical parameters, such as molecular size. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as baker's yeast, is a frequently used source of β-glucan. The aim of the experiments was to investigate how different Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-glucan preparations with different molecular size affect interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production in BALB/c mice.

Materials and methods: In vivo and in vitro BALB/c mouse models were used for the investigations. Different β-glucan preparations were orally administrated in the in vivo experiments. IFN-γ production in BALB/c mice was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and measuring interferon-γ RNA concentration.

Results: The results showed that orally-administered β-glucan from S. cerevisiae enhanced IFN-γ production in BALB/c mice in the in vivo model, but not by mouse leukocytes in vitro. Moreover, water-soluble β-glucan enhanced IFN-γ production more effectively than did particulate β-glucan.

Conclusion: IFN-γ plays an important role in immunity against viral and bacterial infections. Our experiments have shown that β-glucan preparations enhance IFN-γ production in BALB/c mice and can be potentially used for immune system stimulation in mammals. Current results may be used to develop soluble β-glucan nutritional supplements.