Abstract: Particulate ?-glucan is solubilized at elevated pressure and temperature to form particulate-soluble ?-glucan. The particulate-soluble ?-glucan is capable of being dried to a powder form and subsequently re-solubilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to broadly protect the military and the public from injury from biological warfare weapons, particularly infective agents such as anthrax. Beta (1,3)-glucans, particularly whole glucan particles, PGG-Glucan, and microparticulate glucan, provide general immune enhancement, thereby increasing the body's ability to defend against a wide variety of biological threats. Beta (1,3)-glucans have been shown to increase the resistance to infection by anthrax and other infectious organisms when administered before and after infection. The anti-infective mechanism of ?(1,3)-glucan appears to involve stimulation of the innate immune system through increased cytokine release and CR3 receptor activation. Beta (1,3)-glucan is pharmaceutically stable, relatively compact, and can also be used without significant side effects. Beta (1,3)-glucan can also enhance the effectiveness of other medical countermeasures such as antibiotics, vaccines, and immune antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using whole glucan particles and complement activating antibodies for antitumor therapy. Whole glucan particles enhance the tumoricidal activity of the innate immune system by binding to the C3 complement protein receptor CR3. This binding enhances innate immune system cytotoxicity, as well as stimulating the release of activating cytokines.

Abstract: The invention pertains to compositions and therapeutic and prophylatic methods for treating/preventing infections in an animal or human by administering a soluble ?-glucan composition comprising ?-glucan molecules having an average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 daltons, as determined by multi-angle laser light scattering (VHMW-glucan).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity, by administering a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of particulate, bioavailable ?(1,3; 1,6) glucan. The invention also relates to methods in which ?(1,3; 1,6) glucan is provided in the form of whole glucan particles, microparticulate ?-glucan particles or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention pertains to compositions and therapeutic and prophylatic methods for treating/preventing infections in an animal or human by administering a soluble ?-glucan composition comprising ?-glucan molecules having an average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 daltons, as determined by multi-angle laser light scattering (VHMW-glucan).

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating and preventing radiation and/or chemotherapy related injury and/or afflictions, such as myelosuppression and decreased macrophage activity, by administering a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of particulate, bioavailable ?(1,3; 1,6) glucan. The invention also relates to methods in which ?(1,3; 1,6) glucan is provided in the form of whole glucan particles, microparticulate ?-glucan particles or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A preparation containing a receptor for underivatized, aqueous soluble &bgr;(1-3)-glucan is disclosed, along with characterization of the receptor for underivatized, aqueous soluble &bgr;(1-3)-glucan. Also described are assays for identifying agents which alter the effect of underivatized, aqueous soluble &bgr;(1-3)-glucan on activation of signal transduction pathways and agents identified thereby, as well as assays for assessing the specificity of carbohydrate:glycolipid interactions.

Abstract: The invention pertains to compositions and therapeutic and prophylatic methods for treating/preventing infections in an animal or human by administering a soluble &bgr;-glucan composition comprising &bgr;-glucan molecules having an average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 daltons, as determined by multi-angle laser light scattering (VHMW-glucan).

Abstract: The invention pertains to compositions and therapeutic and prophylatic methods for treating/preventing infections in an animal or human by administering a soluble &bgr;-glucan composition comprising &bgr;-glucan molecules having an average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 daltons, as determined by multi-angle laser light scattering (VHMW-glucan).