Molecular weight dependency on the production of the TNF stimulated by fractions of rye (1-->3),(1-->4)-beta-D-glucan.

Mixed-linkage (1-->3),(1-->4)-beta-D-glucan with a weight average molecular weight varying between 79,800 and 13,900 was purified from rye. These fractions were used for stimulation of human monocytes to produce tumour necrosis factor (TNF). A mixed-linkage beta-glucan with a weight average molecular weight of 18,900 was found to be the most potent immunostimulator.