The potential role of β-glucan in leukemia.
 In vitro data suggested that β-glucan can enhance monocyte-derived dendritic cell maturation. This can possibly facilitate the leukemic tumor-specific antigen (TSA) recognition by T-helper cells (CD4) and subsequently leads to activation of cytotoxic T cells (CD8) and leukemic cell lysis. More TSA will then be released for adaptive immune response thereafter. In addition, in vitro data also showed that β-glucan can help to induce dendritic cell differentiation from selected monocytic leukemic cell lines. These leukemia-derived dendritic cells are immunopotent and may trigger anti-leukemic T-cell responses by presenting the leukemic antigen repertoire. This can lead to activation of B cells (CD19/20) and production of anti-leukemic antibodies.