A description of the effect of a purified Beta-Glucan extract on the antibody response to PRRS Virus vaccination and to lymphocyte proliferation of weaned pigs

摘要

Antimicrobial alternatives are gaining popularity in the field of veterinary medicine as a way to enhance resistance against infectious diseases. Beta-Glucan, a polymer of D-glucose and a major structural component yeast and fungal cell walls, has been shown to have many immunomodulating properties. Human macrophages, neutrophils and Natural Killer (NK) cells have two known specific receptors for beta-Glucan. A detailed review of the biological response has been summarized by Bohn. See Table 1 for known effects of beta-glucans on the immune system.