LENTINAN AS A HOST DEFENSE POTENTIATOR (HDP)

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

LENTINAN AS A HOST DEFENSE POTENTIATOR (HDP)

Int J Immunotherapy; 5(4):145-54 1989. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/92668381
Chihara G; Maeda YY; Suga T; Hamuro J; Biotechnology Res. Center, Teikyo Univ., Kawasaki 213, Japan

Abstract: Lentinan, a (1----6); (1----3)-beta-D-glucan having marked antitumor activity in syngeneic and autochthonous hosts, appears to represent HDPs which can improve the physiological constitution of the host against cancer and various kinds of infections, unlike so-called biological response modifiers. HDPs can restore or augment the responsive ability of the host to lymphokines or bioactive substances through maturation, differentiation or proliferation of the important cells for host defense. The mode of action of lentinan has been confirmed as a typical HDP. The results of clinical applications of lentinan have proved to be excellent; a marked prolongation of life-span of patients with advanced and recurrent stomach, colorectal and breast cancer has been observed with only slight side effects. Nevertheless, prevention of cancer recurrence after surgery is the most challenging goal of HDPs. Lentinan has completely prevented the recurrence of cancer after surgery in several animal models. The same principle is applicable to AIDS therapy. The prevention of manifestation of AIDS symptoms of HIV carriers is most important, and this can be realized with HDPs. Experimental and clinical studies on the prevention of cancer recurrence and the onset of AIDS symptoms are also described, and these studies are now under way. (33 Refs)

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/IMMUNOLOGY/*THERAPY *Adjuvants, Immunologic Animal Combined Modality Therapy Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/DRUG EFFECTS Human Lentinan/*THERAPEUTIC USE Lymphocyte Transformation/DRUG EFFECTS Macrophages/DRUG EFFECTS Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/THERAPY Neoplasms/IMMUNOLOGY/*THERAPY T-Lymphocytes/DRUG EFFECTS JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW
921230
M92C5386

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