β-Glucan Induction of Trained Immunity

Initially, it was believed that innate immune cells behaved randomly and lacked the potential for immunological memory. The trained immunity hypothesis implies that innate immune cells respond more effectively and rapidly to viral and microbial infections before sensitisation with specific microbial components (including yeast-derived β-glucans). It has been claimed that stimulants such as β-glucans can induce it , as a result, when these cells are exposed to β-glucans, they build a “memory” which improves their capacity to fight infection . Administration of β-glucans primes the immune response to recognise future microbial insults.

The induction of trained immunity is a potential technique for defending against bacterial and viral illnesses. This is achieved by epigenetic reprogramming in innate immune cells, resulting in increased cytokine production and metabolic alterations that shift the cell’s metabolism away from oxidative phosphorylation and glucose fermentation. When these epigenetically “trained” cells encounter secondary stimuli, they are programmed to respond more robustly to those stimuli. Studies suggest that β-glucans can be used in vaccinations as adjuvants. This is because β-glucans activate and modify all parts of the immune system because they induce long-lasting, effective immunity that is widely protective, thus increasing antigen recognition .