Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus brasiliensis (1 → 6)-β-d-glucans show immunostimulatory activity on human THP-1 derived macrophages

► β-(1 → 6)-Glucans were isolated and characterized from Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus brasiliensis. ► The glucans were analyzed by GC-MS, HPSEC and 13C NMR. ► THP-1 cells were used to study their capacity to induce the expression of proinflammatory genes. ► Both β-glucans showed immunostimulatory activity when administered to the THP-1 macrophages.