Improved antimicrobial host defense in mice following poly-(1,6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1,3)-β-D-glucopyranose glucan treatment by a gender-dependent immune mechanism.

Clinical trials with biological modifiers targeting specific inflammatory mediators associated with severe sepsis have shown no or limited survival benefit. The approach taken in studies reported here was to limit the point source of intra-abdominal infection by potentiating innate immune function, thereby lessening the severity of sepsis and improving survival. Soluble beta-glucans, glucose polymers of the fungal cell wall, have been shown to stimulate innate immune host defense in animal and human studies when administered prior to an infectious challenge.