Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Zymosan, a cell
wall formation and a mixture of beta-glucan and
mannan residues from the fungus Saccharomyces
cerevisiae, is known to induce the production of
proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines that
attract inflammatory cells. Beta-glucan has various
biological activities, such as production of
inflammatory mediators including leukotrienes
and tumour necrosis factor-alfa. Therefore, this
fungus could be the main allergen in asthmatic
patients (Savolainen, 1995).