Stimulation of lymphoproliferation by sucrose esters

Lauryl sucrose has recently been shown to decrease the toxicity of amphotericin B (AmB), a widely used antifungal agent, probably through a modulation of its physical state. In this paper, we demonstrate using a lymphoproliferative assay, that lauryl sucrose and monosubstituted analogs in addition to their effects on AmB also possess significant immune enhancer properties. An anti-bell shape relationship was observed between stimulation of lymphoproliferation and chain length of ester's fatty acid, lauryl sucrose being the less active of the tested derivatives. These properties of sucrose esters are discussed in the specific context of antifungal therapy.