Evaluation of immunostimulatory activities of synthetic mannose-containing structures mimicking the ß-(1->2)-linked cell wall mannans of Candida albicans.

Immunostimulatory properties of synthetic structures mimicking the ß-(1→2)-linked mannans of Candida albicans were evaluated in vitro. Contrary to earlier observations, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production was not detected after stimulation with mannotetraose in mouse macrophages. Divalent disaccharide 1,4-bis(α-D-mannopyranosyloxy)butane induced TNF and some molecules induced low levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).