Sizofiran

Literature References: Immunostimulant polysaccharide produced by the fungus Schizophyllum commune Fries. Polymer of repeating tetrasaccharide units composed of three b-(1®3)-linked D-glucopyranose residues, to one of which is attached a single b-(1®6)-linked D-glucopyranosyl side chain. Forms triple-stranded helix of mol wt ~450,000 in neutral aqueous solution. Prepn by fermentation: S. Kikumoto et al., JP 67 12000 (1967 to Taito), C.A. 67, 107386r (1967). Synthesis of the 3 possible tetrasaccharide units: K. Takeo, S. Tei, Carbohydr. Res. 145, 293 (1986). Host-mediated antitumor activity: N. Komatsu et al., Gann 60, 137 (1969). Pharmacology, toxicology and antitumor activity in mice: T. Matsuo et al., Arzneim.-Forsch. 32, 647 (1982). Macrophage stimulant activity in vitro: I. Sugawara et al., Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 16, 137 (1984). Clinical trial in cervical cancer: K. Okamura et al., Cancer 58, 865 (1986).