(1 -> 3)-beta-D-glucan - relationship to indoor air-related symptoms, allergy and asthma

(1 --> 3)-beta -D-glucan is a polyglucose structure in the cell wall of mou lds, some bacteria and plants. Due to its unique (1 --> 3)-beta linkage it binds to specific receptors on phagocytosing cells and induces changes in t heir metabolism. Under realistic environmental concentrations, available da ta suggest that these changes express themselves as alterations of the defe nse mechanisms to other agents. Inhalation of (I --> 3)-beta -D-glucan in h umans causes symptoms from the upper respiratory tract and induction of cyt okines in blood monocytes. (1 --> 3)-beta -D-glucan can be used as a marker of mould biomass in field studies. Relationships between the amount of (1 --> 3)-beta -D-glucan and the extent of symptoms as well as lung function c hanges and inflammatory markers have been described. In view of the mechani sms involved in the normal development of the immune system, children seem to be a particular group at risk due to (I --> 3)-beta -D-glucan exposure. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.