Yeast Beta-Glucan Boosts Cancer Immunity in 3 Mouse Tumor Models
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 22
Yeast Beta-Glucan Boosts Cancer Immunity in 3 Mouse Tumor Models
2 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 22
Summary
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and UCD found a dietary yeast beta-glucan supplement strengthened anti-tumor immune responses in mice challenged with colorectal, skin and breast cancer cells.
4-12 weeks of supplementation reprogrammed early immune cells in the bone marrow, producing longer-lasting “trained immunity” through altered stem-cell development rather than injections used in earlier studies.
Obese mice showed restored innate anti-tumor immunity, and the supplement also reversed immune-memory defects that persisted even after weight loss — a key obstacle in obesity-linked immune dysfunction.
Cell Reports published the study, which used commercially available food-grade Wellmune; the researchers said its safety record could speed human dietary intervention trials alongside cancer therapy, vaccines and infection research.
While yeast beta-glucan shrinks tumors in obese mice, could triggering this trained immunity in humans accidentally spark unwanted autoimmune reactions?
Could a common over-the-counter yeast supplement really reverse the lasting immune damage caused by obesity and help fight cancer?