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).

Abstract: The present invention relates to neutral, aqueous soluble &bgr;-glucans which exert potent and specific immunological effects without stimulating the production of certain cytokines, to preparations containing the novel &bgr;-glucans, and to a novel manufacturing process therefor. The neutral, aqueous soluble &bgr;-glucan preparation has a high affinity for the &bgr;-glucan receptor of human monocytes and retains two primary biological (or immunological) activities, (1) the enhancement of microbicidal activity of phagocytic cells, and (2) monocyte, neutrophil and platelet hemopoietic activity. Unlike soluble glucans described in the prior art, the neutral, aqueous soluble &bgr;-glucan of this invention neither induces nor primes IL-1&bgr;, and TNF&agr; production in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: A cloning vector contains a DNA sequence derived from a Nocardioform microorganism, and is capable of expressing the DNA sequence in a host microorganism. Recombinant cholesterol oxidase is produced by a host microbial cell transformed with a cloning vector containing cholesterol oxidase encoding DNA derived from a Nocardioform microorganism. A method for determining cholesterol oxidase in a sample of fluid from a human includes contacting the sample with the Nocardioform microorganism derived recombinant cholesterol oxidase.

Abstract: A method for producing soluble preparations of neutral glucan polymers is disclosed. The method involves treating whole glucan particles with a unique sequence of acid and alkaline treatments to produce soluble glucan. The soluble glucan can be purified to obtain a physiologically acceptable solution of neutral glucan molecules. A soluble neutral glucan preparation is obtained which forms a clear solution at a neutral pH and is equilibrated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neutral, aqueous soluble .beta.-glucans which exert potent and specific immunological effects without stimulating the production of certain cytokines, to preparations containing the novel .beta.-glucans, and to a novel manufacturing process therefor. The neutral, aqueous soluble .beta.-glucan preparation has a high affinity for the .beta.-glucan receptor of human monocytes and retains two primary biological (or immunological) activities, (1) the enhancement of microbicidal activity of phagocytic cells, and (2) monocyte, neutrophil and platelet hemopoietic activity. Unlike soluble glucans described in the prior art, the neutral, aqueous soluble .beta.-glucan of this invention neither induces nor primes IL-1.beta. and TNF.alpha. production in vitro and in vivo. Safe and efficacious preparations of neutral, aqueous soluble .beta.

Abstract: A method for producing soluble preparations of neutral glucan polymers is disclosed. The method involves treating whole glucan particles with a unique sequence of acid and alkaline treatments to produce soluble glucan. The soluble glucan can be purified to obtain a physiologically acceptable solution of neutral glucan molecules. A soluble neutral glucan preparation is obtained which forms a clear solution at a neutral pH and is equilibrated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neutral, aqueous soluble .beta.-glucans which exert potent and specific immunological effects without stimulating the production of certain cytokines, to preparations containing the novel .beta.-glucans, and to a novel manufacturing process therefor. The neutral, aqueous soluble .beta.-glucan preparation has a high affinity for the .beta.-glucans receptor of human monocytes and retains two primary biological (or immunological) activities, (1) the enhancement of microbicidal activity of phagocytic cells, and (2) monocyte, neutrophil and platelet hemopoietic activity. Unlike soluble glucans described in the prior art, the neutral, aqueous soluble .beta.-glucans of this invention neither induces nor primes IL-1.beta. and TNF.alpha. production in vitro and in vivo. Safe and efficacious preparations of neutral, aqueous soluble .beta.

Abstract: The invention describes a whole .beta.-glucan drug delivery vehicle that non-specifically enhances the immune response, and is safe for human use. A drug is incorporated into a whole .beta.-glucan microparticle, and the combination is administered to an individual. The .beta.-glucan vehicle allows sustained release of the drug component while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of the drug by boosting the individual's endogenous immune response.

Abstract: A method for producing soluble preparations of neutral glucan polymers is disclosed. The method involves treating whole glucan particles with a unique sequence of acid and alkaline treatments to produce soluble glucan. The soluble glucan can be purified to obtain a physiologically acceptable solution of neutral glucan molecules. A soluble neutral glucan preparation is obtained which forms a clear solution at a neutral pH and is equilibrated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A method for producing soluble preparations of neutral glucan polymers is disclosed. The method involves treating whole glucan particles with a unique sequence of acid and alkaline treatments to produce soluble glucan. The soluble glucan can be purified to obtain a physiologically acceptable solution of neutral glucan molecules. A soluble neutral glucan preparation is obtained which forms a clear solution at a neutral pH and is equilibrated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neutral soluble .beta.-glucans which exert potent and specific immunological effects without stimulating the production of certain cytokines, to preparations containing the novel .beta.-glucans, and to a novel manufacturing process therefor. The neutral soluble glucan preparation has a high affinity for the .beta.-glucan receptor of human monocytes and retains two primary biological (or immunological) activities, (1) the enhancement of microbicidal activity of phagocytic cells, and (2) monocyte and neutrophil hemopoietic activity. Unlike soluble glucans described in the prior art, the neutral soluble glucan of this invention neither induces nor primes IL-1 and TNF production in vitro and in vivo. Safe and efficacious preparations of neutral soluble glucan of the present invention can be used in therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment regimens of humans and animals to enhance their immune response, without stimulating the production of certain biochemical mediators (e.g.

Abstract: Methods of treating or preventing infection-induced oral tissue destruction or gingivitis in a mammal, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a .beta.(1,3)-glucan, such as poly-.beta.(1-6)-glucotriosyl-.beta.(1-3)-glucopyranose glucan (PGG-glucan), are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes a whole .beta.-glucan drug delivery vehicle that non-specifically enhances the immune response, and is safe for human use. A drug is incorporated into a whole .beta.-glucan microparticle, and the combination is administered to an individual. The .beta.-glucan vehicle allows sustained release of the drug component while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of the drug by boosting the individual's endogenous immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neutral soluble .beta.-glucans which exert potent and specific hematopoietic and immunological effects without stimulating the production of certain cytokines, to preparations containing the novel .beta.-glucans, and to a novel manufacturing process therefor. The neutral soluble glucan preparation has a high affinity for the .beta.-glucan receptor of human monocytes and retains two primary biological (or immunological) activities, (1) the enhancement of microbicidal activity of phagocytic cells, and (2) monocyte and neutrophil hemopoietic activity. Unlike soluble glucans described in the prior art, the neutral soluble glucan of this invention neither induces nor primes IL-1 and TNF production in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Modified yeast cell wall glucans are administered to patients who are at risk for infection due to imminent surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment which affects the immune system, in order to mobilize the cellular defense mechanisms and boost the immune response of the patient before, during and after the surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neutral soluble .beta.-glucans which exert potent and specific hematopoietic and immunological effects without stimulating the production of certain cytokines, to preparations containing the novel .beta.-glucans, and to a novel manufacturing process therefor. The neutral soluble glucan preparation has a high affinity for the .beta.-glucan receptor of human mono-cytes and retains two primary biological (or immunological) activities, (1) the enhancement of microbicidal activity of phagocytic cells, and (2) monocyte and neutrophil hemopoietic activity. Unlike soluble glucans described in the prior art, the neutral soluble glucan of this invention neither induces nor primes IL-1 and TNF production in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: A method for producing soluble preparations of neutral glucan polymers is disclosed. The method involves treating whole glucan particles with a unique sequence or acid and alkaline treatments to produce soluble glucan. The soluble glucan can be purified to obtain a physiologically acceptable solution of neutral glucan molecules. A soluble neutral glucan preparation is obtained which forms a clear solution at a neutral pH and is equilibrated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The invention describes a whole .beta.-glucan drug delivery vehicle that non-specifically enhances the immune response, and is safe for human use. A drug is incorporated into a whole .beta.-glucan microparticle, and the combination is administered to an individual. The .beta.-glucan vehicle allows sustained release of the drug component while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of the drug by boosting the individual's endogenous immune response.

Abstract: A mutant of Bacillus subtilis has been isolated which greatly facilitates gene cloning in this nonpathogenic microorganism. B. subtilis is a known protein secretor and can be used efficiently in commercial operations. Unlike the more commonly used clone-propagating organism E. coli., B. subtilis has the advantage of lacking pyrogenic substances in its cell envelope. However, chimeric plasmids for infection of B. subtilis have been difficult to prepare, and if E. Coli is used as an intermediate host to provide plasmid forms suitable for Bacillus transformation, the B. subtilis treats any E. coli-propagated DNA as foreign and preferentially attacks the insert portion of the plasmid. This attach results in loss of cloned genes and limits the use of B. subtilis as a cloning system. The B. subtilis recipient strain of this invention is, on the other hand, stably and efficiently transformed by E. coli-propagated plasmid DNA at high frequency.