Editors: Vaclav Vetvicka, Miroslav Novak

Series Title: Biology and Chemistry of Beta Glucan

Beta Glucans - Mechanisms of Action

Volume 1

eBook: US $39 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $98
Printed Copy: US $78
Library License: US $156
ISSN: 2589-2851 (Print)
ISSN: 2211-0526 (Online)
ISBN: 978-1-60805-706-1 (Print)
ISBN: 978-1-60805-210-3 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2011
DOI: 10.2174/97816080521031110101

Introduction

β-Glucan is generally considered to be a very safe immunomodulator. It is a well-known biological response modifier (BRM) that has been used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer since 1980, mostly in Japan. β-Glucan enhances the innate host defense against certain bacteria, yeast, and viral pathogens. I addition, glucans are also considered to be important in prophylaxis against irradiation. Various types of glucans are now routinely added both to human and animal food. At least 26 clinical trials are currently under way in several countries. The authors of this ebook have selected and brought together information on both theoretical and practical aspects of β-glucan use. The book is suitable for readers seeking timely and precise information on β-glucan history and various biological effects including possible use in the treatment of various diseases, without having any preliminary knowledge of natural immunomodulators. The book should not only provide an inspiration for carbohydrate and clinical chemists for further investigations in biomedicine, but it also presents a number of practical applicable results in immunology

Indexed in: EBSCO, Ulrich's Periodicals Directory.

Contributors

Editor(s):
Vaclav Vetvicka
University of Louisville
USA


Miroslav Novak
Institute of Chemical Technology
Czech Republic




Contributor(s):
M. Novak
Institute of Chemical Technology
Prague
Czech Republic


V. Vetvicka
Department of Pathology
University of Louisville
MDR Bldg
Louisville
KY
USA


Alexandra E. Clark
Section of Immunology and Infection
Institute of Medical Sciences
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen
UK


Ann M. Kerrigan
Section of Immunology and Infection
Institute of Medical Sciences
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen
UK


Gordon D. Brown
Section of Infection and Immunity
Institute of Medical Sciences
School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD
UK


J. Yan
Tumor Immunobiology Program, James Graham Brown Cancer, Department of Medicine
University of Louisville
Louisville
KY
USA


E. Soto
Program in Molecular Medicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Worcester
MA
USA


G. Ostroff
Program in Molecular Medicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
373 Plantation Street
Worcester
MA, 01604
USA


Naohito Ohno
Laboratory for Immunopharmacology of Microbial Products, School of Pharmacy
Tokyo University of Pharmacy & Life Science
1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji
Tokyo, 192-0392
Japan