[Modulatory effect of glucans on the function of murine macrophages, NK-cells and lymphocytes].

The particulate glucan (G1), soluble glucan preparations (G2 to G5, and G7) isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and glucomanan prepared from culture fluid after cultivation of Candida utilis (G6) were tested for their immunomodulatory activity in vivo and in vitro. In tests in vivo three soluble glucans (G3, G4, and G7) injected s.c.

[Structure and various characteristics of yeast beta-D-glucans].

Yeast cell wall contains mainly polysaccharides. Among them beta-1,3-D-glucans play role of the skeletal carcass of the yeast cell wall, while D-mannans represent its surface antigens. Mannans are built of alpha-1,6-linked polymannosyl backbone with the side chains consisting of alpha-1,2- and alpha-1,3-linked mannosyl units.

Immunochemical and structural analysis of the cell wall mannan as the basis of the taxonomic reidentification of a yeast strain.

The immunochemical properties and structural features of D-mannans from two Candida parapsilosis strains were studied. Weak cross-reactivity of D-mannans with antisera produced to C. parapsilosis strains was observed, as well as significant differences in the mannans structures were found by means of methylation analysis, acetolysis and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

Novel structure of the cellular mannan of the pathogenic yeast Candida krusei.

On the basis of methylation analysis, 13C- and 1H-n.m.r.

Structural studies of mannans from the cell walls of the pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans serotypes A and B and Candida parapsilosis.

A comparative study of three cell-wall mannans, of Candida albicans serotypes A and B and Candida parapsilosis, by means of methylation analysis supports a model of yeast mannans as having an alpha-(1----6)-linked backbone with some units (depending on the origin of the mannan) being substituted at O-2 with oligosaccharides joined by alpha-(1---2) and, to a lesser extent, by alpha-(1----3) glycosidic bonds. Branching points in the side chains of Candida albicans mannans were found in substantial proportions for the first time, and the corresponding branched hexasaccharides were isolated by means of acetolysis and subsequent gel filtration. 13C-N.

Modulatory effect of glucans on the functional and biochemical activities of guinea-pig macrophages.

The particulate and soluble glucan preparations isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans affected various activities of guinea-pig macrophages. The stimulation of INT reduction and superoxide production were observed in the presence of all insoluble and some soluble glucans in vitro, but most of the preparations under study had an inhibitory effect on phagocytic activity. On the other hand, the stimulation of both metabolic and functional activities was obtained in vivo.

Immunodiagnosis of candida-infections. I. Sensitivity of the antigens.

Attempts were made to prepare a sensitive antigen from C. albicans suitable for detecting humoral antibodies and hypersensitivity in deep-seated candidiasis, in patients at risk of invasive candidiasis and in allergic states caused by Candida. 5343 persons suffering from systemic, bronchial, vaginal candidiasis, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, polyarthritis nodosa, ulcus cruris, malignancy, rhinitis pollinosa, vasomotorica, and non infected miners, farmers and blood donors were investigated on the presence of antibodies and hypersensitivity against 8 different antigen preparations.