Addition of Selenium Improves Immunomodulative Effects of Glucan

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) is an established essential nutrient that plays a role in various biological processes including cancer development. Similarly, stimulation of immune reactions by β-glucans is well-documented. AIMS: In the current study, we focused on the stimulation of phagocytosis and interleukin (IL)-2 production and on potentiation of anticancer immunity by a combination of glucan with two types of Se. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phagocytosis was evaluated using synthetic microspheres; cancer development was measured either using breast cancer cells or using lung cancer cells. RESULTS: Using two different murine models of cancer, we showed that the Se/glucan combination strongly suppressed the growth of cancer, mostly probably via stimulation of immunity. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of glucan with Se offers superior stimulation of immunity and inhibition of cancer growth.