[Frontiers in Bioscience S2, 256-267, January 1, 2010]

Microbial polysaccharide: new insights for treating autoimmune diseases

Anna Vecchiarelli1, Claudia Monari1

1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06122, Italy

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3.GXM effects in in vitro system
3.1. Negative regulation of monocytes/macrophages functions
3.2. Negative regulation of T cell response
4.GXM to dampen inflammatory response in in vivo experimental systems
4.1. Septic arthritis
4.2. Rheumatoid arthritis
5. Perspective
6. Acknowledgements
7. References

1. ABSTRACT

The immunosuppressive properties of Glucuronoxylomannnan (GXM), a purified capsular polysaccharide of the opportunistic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, have been extensively elucidated. GXM can inhibit the function of cells belonging to both the innate and adaptive immune systems, leading to inhibition of proinflammatory responses as well as of autoimmune inflammation.This review focuses on the role of GXM as a novel anti-inflammatory agent and puts in perspective the direct implications of its potential destination to clinical trials.