Structural studies of an immunoenhancing glucan of an ectomycorrhizal fungus Ramaria botrytis

•Alkali treated water soluble glucan obtained from Ramaria botrytis.•Structure was determined by chemical as well as 2D NMR studies.•This molecule showed immunological activity.

A water-soluble glucan was isolated from the alkaline extract of an ectomycorrhizal fungus, Ramaria botrytis. On the basis of sugar analysis, methylation analysis, Smith degradation, partial hydrolysis, and 1D/2D NMR studies, the structure of the repeating unit of the glucan was established as:Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide This glucan showed immunostimulating activity by NO production on RAW 264.7, a murine macrophage cell line. Splenocyte and thymocyte proliferation were measured using, respectively, single cell suspensions of spleen and thymus obtained from normal mice.

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