Zymosan A is a polysaccharide compound (13 beta glucan) ligand found on the surface of various fungi. Zymosan A has been found to bind to Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), a surface membrane receptor protein responsible for recognizing bacterial, viral, and fungal substances. Upon stimulation, TLLR2 initates a signaling cascade which leads to specific immune responses. Zymosan A can be used to study cytokine secretion and other immunologic properties in macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs).
Zymosan can be used to induce a state of inflammation in experimental systems. It can be used in immunology and inflammation research using flow cytometry. Uptake of Zymosan offers a rapid, simple asay of phagocytic activity.
Zymosan A is insoluble in water.