Abstract: [Problem] To provide: a lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration, contains a lipid that is bound to a peptide composed of multiple arginine residues as a constituent lipid, and includes a bacterial cell component having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent; and a method for producing a lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration and includes a substance of interest having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent. [Solution] A lipid membrane structure which has such a particle diameter that the lipid membrane structure can be sterilized by filtration, contains a lipid that is bound to a peptide composed of multiple arginine residues as a constituent lipid, and includes a bacterial cell component having dispersibility in a non-polar solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for promoting human Th1 cell differentiation and an agent for suppressing human Th2 cell differentiation, comprising lipoarabinomannans and/or lipomannans derived from BCG cell bodies. The agent of the present invention is useful as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for cancers and the like, and also as a therapeutic agent for allergic diseases such as pollinosis.

Abstract: The object is to provide a liposome by which a bacterial cell component insoluble in water and an organic solvent (e.g., BCG-CW) can be pharmaceutically prepared in a form applicable to a living body (i.e., a form in which the bacterial cell component can be dispersed in an aqueous solvent and has a controlled size) without using any surfactant. Disclosed is a liposome having a lipid membrane containing a bacterial cell component insoluble in water and an organic solvent (e.g., BCG-CW).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient and sensitive methods and compositions for the detection of active mycobacterial disease are provided for distinguishing between individuals having active disease, and individuals who have been immunologically exposed, such as those infected with a mycobacterium but are without active disease, or those who have been vaccinated with BCG. The methods comprise topical application of antigen compositions for transdermal delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for promoting human Th1 cell differentiation and an agent for suppressing human Th2 cell differentiation, comprising lipoarabinomannans and/or lipomannans derived from BCG cell bodies. The agent of the present invention is useful as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for cancers and the like, and also as a therapeutic agent for allergic diseases such as pollinosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient and sensitive methods and compositions for the detection of active mycobacterial disease are provided for distinguishing between individuals having active disease, and individuals who have been immunologically exposed, such as those infected with a mycobacterium but are without active disease, or those who have been vaccinated with BCG. The methods comprise topical application of antigen compositions for transdermal delivery.