Sparassis beta-glucan (SCG)

SCG is a beta-1,3-glucan with beta-1,6 branching that binds with high affinity to Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3) on macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. Dectin-1 engagement triggers Syk kinase phosphorylation and downstream activation of NF-κB and NFAT transcription factors, resulting in robust production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and type I interferons. SCG promotes dendritic cell maturation and cross-presentation of tumor antigens to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. It also enhances complement system activation via the alternative pathway and promotes M1 macrophage polarization in tumor microenvironments.