Abstract: This invention provides a method for introducing substances into cells comprising contacting a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan with said cells. This invention also provides a method for introducing substances into a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above compositions. The substance which could be delivered orally includes but is not limited to peptides, proteins, RNAs, DNAs, chemotherapeutic agents, biologically active agents, plasmids, and other small molecules and compounds. Finally, this invention provides a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of IgM and different uses of the said composition.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for introducing substances into cells comprising contacting a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan with said cells. This invention also provides a method for introducing substances into a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above compositions. The substance which could be delivered orally includes but is not limited to peptides, proteins, RNAs, DNAs, chemotherapeutic agents, biologically active agents, plasmids, and other small molecules and compounds. Finally, this invention provides a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of IgM and different uses of the said composition.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for treatment of cancer in a mammal is disclosed. The composition comprises an effective amount of a yeast beta-glucan composition which is suitable for oral administration and for absorption through the gastrointestinal tract of the mammal. The above therapeutic composition may further comprise antitumor antibodies or cancer vaccine composition, wherein the antitumor activities of the antitumor antibodies or the cancer vaccine composition are enhanced by the yeast glucan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glucan derived from yeast having a beta-(1, 3)-backbone with one or more beta-(1, 3)-side chains linked thereto for use in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory bowel disease and related diseases of abnormal bowel function in an animal, in particular to such uses employing a soluble glucan, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, preferably when administered orally. The invention also relates to alternative treatments of inflammatory bowel disease and related diseases of abnormal bowel function utilising meal or protein derived from Asteraceae.

Abstract: This invention discloses a composition for enhancing the protective immunity in a subject, comprising an effective amount of a ?-glucan and a vaccine, wherein the ?-glucan enhances the immune response of the vaccine against cancer or infectious agents. The infectious agents can be viruses, fungi, bacteria or parasites. In one embodiment, the ?-glucan is derived from yeast and comprises side chains attached to a ?-(1,3) backbone. In another embodiment, the vaccine comprises an antibody and whole tumor cells. The invention also provides a method of enhancing protective immunity using said composition.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for treatment of cancer in a mammal is disclosed. The composition comprises an effective amount of a yeast beta-glucan composition which is suitable for oral administration and for absorption through the gastrointestinal tract of the mammal. The above therapeutic composition may further comprise antitumor antibodies or cancer vaccine composition, wherein the antitumor activities of the antitumor antibodies or the cancer vaccine composition are enhanced by the yeast glucan.