MGN-3/Biobran (also known as Lentin Plus 1000), modified arabinoxylan rice bran, has been shown to be a potent biological response modifier (BRM) as manifested by stimulation of different arms of the immune system such as NK, T and B cells; however, its effect on macrophages has not yet been studied. The effects of MGN-3 on macrophage function was examined in vitro using 3 models: human macrophage cell line U937, murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7, and murine peritoneal macrophages (P-M phi).

Treatment with MGN-3 resulted in an increase in the percentages of attachment and phagocytosis of yeast by macrophages. The effect depends on the type of macrophage and the dose of MGN-3 applied. Macrophages also demonstrated enhancement in their spreading ability post-treatment with MGN-3. Results also showed that MGN-3, in a dose-dependent manner (1, 10,100 microg/ml), significantly induced high levels of production of cytokines: TNF-alpha; and IL-6. In addition, MGN-3 significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) production. This data demonstrates that MGN-3 is a potent inducer of phagocytic function by macrophage, and suggests that MGN-3 is a useful agent for fighting microbial infection.