Glucan supplementation enhances the immune response against an influenza challenge in mice

Background: The strong immunostimulating potential of beta-glucans has been well established in numerous diseases. However, the effects on viral infection were less studied. Methods: In our study, we focused on possible effects of a special combined glucan formulation on immunosuppression caused by influenza infection. Results: We found that a 2-week oral feeding with glucan mixture significantly reduced the effects of influenza infection in total mortality. Our study was focused on phagocytosis, cytokine levels, antibody response and cytotoxicity assay. Conclusions: Based on our data, we concluded that these effects are caused by stimulation of both cellular and humoral immune reaction resulting in lower viral load.