Microbial polysaccharide: new insights for treating autoimmune diseases.

The immunosuppressive properties of Glucuronoxylomannnan (GXM), a purified capsular polysaccharide of the opportunistic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, have been extensively elucidated. GXM can inhibit the function of cells belonging to both the innate and adaptive immune systems, leading to inhibition of proinflammatory responses as well as of autoimmune inflammation.This review focuses on the role of GXM as a novel anti-inflammatory agent and puts in perspective the direct implications of its potential destination to clinical trials.