Cross-linking of the beta-glucan receptor on human monocytes results in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist but not interleukin-1 production

Abstract

The beta-glucan receptor, found on monocytes and neutrophils, binds glucose polymers derived from fungi. Ligands for the receptor have various immunomodulatory effects, including increased microbicidal killing activity. We have investigated the effect of beta-glucans on the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and its naturally occurring inhibitor, the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Particulate beta- glucan induced IL-1Ra production from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) but did not stimulate IL-1 beta synthesis or gene expression in these same cells. Monomeric (soluble) beta-glucan did not induce IL-1Ra production. However, when preincubated with PBMC, monomeric beta-glucan significantly (P