Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing an extract of the plant Nigella sativa is disclosed for treating cancer, preventing the side effects of anticancer chemotherapy, and for increasing the immune function in humans.

Abstract: An immunoactive composition comprising particles containing inulin or an inulin derivative in the gamma polymorphic form, an antigen-binding carrier material and optionally an immune modulator such as an antigenic materials or a cytokine. The compositions provide methods for enhancing immune responses. A process for preparation of the compositions is also considered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the C3b/C4b receptor (CR1) gene and its encoded protein. The invention also relates to CR1 nucleic acid sequences and fragments thereof comprising 70 nucleotides and their encoded peptides or proteins comprising 24 amino acids. The invention further provides for the expression of the CR1 protein and fragments thereof. The genes and proteins of the invention have uses in diagnosis and therapy of disorders involving complement activity, and various immune system or inflammatory disorders. In specific embodiments of the present invention detailed in the examples sections infra, the cloning, nucleotide sequence, and deduced amino acid sequence of a full-length CR1 cDNA and fragments thereof are described. The expression of the CR1 protein and fragments thereof is also described. Also described is the expression of a secreted CR1 molecule lacking a transmembrane region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a extracted substance from a mixture of a non-fat starch from Ricini Semen and a root of Coptis sp. This substance is suitable for use in the therapeutic applications of AIDS.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating autoimmune hepatitis in a patient utilizes an immunomodulatory amount of T.alpha..sub.1 and an anti-inflammatory amount of a corticosteroid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing white blood cell functioning and metabolism on a mucosal surface of a mammal. The present invention also relates to a method for treating or preventing a condition in a mammal caused by the presence of a disease-causing agent on a mucosal surface or a cutaneous surface wherein the disease-causing agent can be diminished by the actions of the white blood cells. The present invention yet also relates to a method for healing a wound of a mucosal or cutaneous surface. The present invention also relates to compositions for use in such methods.

Abstract: Methods for treating various autoimmune diseases and for providing immunorestoration, by administering, to a subject in need thereof, an effective amount of a composition having, as active ingredient, one or more rhamnolipids of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H or .alpha.-L-rhamnopyranosyl;R.sup.2 is H or --CH(R.sup.4)--CH.sub.2 --COOH;R.sup.3 is (C.sub.5 -C.sub.20)-saturated, mono or polyunsaturated hydrocarbyl andR.sup.4 is (C.sub.5 -C.sub.20)-saturated, mono or polyunsaturated hydrocarbyl;are provided.

Abstract: A description is given of the possibility of using transglutaminases in a process for the preparation of an immunosuppressant.Additionally described is a pharmaceutical containing a transglutaminase and a plasminogen activator inhibitor.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing serum thymic factor (FTS) and a method for using FTS containing compositions for treating a variety of immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, inflammatory neuropathy, polyneuritis and other immunodemyelinating diseases.

Abstract: Autoimmune diseases are controlled by the administration of non-methylene interrupted fatty acids of the formula ##STR1## in which R is alkyl or alkenyl. A preferred compound within the scope of this formula is 5,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid.

Abstract: Novel glycosylated steroid derivatives for facilitating the transport of compounds across biological membranes are disclosed. A novel process for efficient synthesis of these glycosylated steroid derivatives, using activated glycosyl sulfoxide intermediates is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating graft-versus-host disease comprising administering to a patient having graft-versus-host disease an effective mount of hydroxychloroquine. The present invention aim provides a method of suppressing alloreactivity arising from reactions of donor T lymphocytes against recipient cells comprising administering to said cells an amount of hydroxychloroquine effective to suppress such alloreaetivity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lectin derived carbohydrate binding-peptide which inhibits cell-mediated immune responses and has the amino acid sequence SPYGRC. The peptide binds terminally linked .alpha.-sialic acid (2.fwdarw.3).beta.Gal- and .alpha.-sialic (2.fwdarw.6).beta.Gal-structures and is a acid fragment of the S2 subunit of pertussis toxin produced by Bordetella pertussis.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating a biological substance is biocompatible microcapsules is disclosed, said method comprising:a) maintaining a coating-forming liquid film sheet comprising a solution of a soluble organic polymer in an organic solvent,b) causing droplets comprising biological substance is an aqueous medium to pass through said sheet to form microcapsules comprising cores of said droplets coated by said liquid film, andc) permitting said microcapsules to pass through said sheet so that a portion of said polymer precipitates in the presence of water in said droplets while evaporating a portion of said solvent to form a continuous permeable polymer coating of sufficient structural that said microcapsules are self-supporting.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a whey protein composition comprising a suitable concentration of whey protein concentrate wherein the whey protein concentrate contains proteins which are present in an essentially undenatured state and wherein the biological activity of the whey protein concentrate is dependent on the overall amino acid and small peptides pattern resulting from the contribution of all its protein components and a method of producing said whey protein composition. The invention also relates to several applications of said composition.

Abstract: The invention provides an agent against HIV-1 and related viruses, the agent being or including dextrin sulphate containing at most two sulphate groups per glucose unit. The invention also provides a composition containing such an agent, and the use of the agent or composition against HIV-1 and related viruses. By restricting the degree of substitution of the dextrin sulphate to a maximum of 2, the invention makes it possible to produce a dextrin sulphate having adequate anti-HIV activity while maintaining toxicity within acceptable limits.

Abstract: An agent for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, which comprises a polysaccharide having a .beta.-1,3-glucoside bond in the main chain as an effective ingredient.

Abstract: The narrow poly- or mono-dispersed oligomers of the present invention are polyureas, polycarbonates, polyesters or polyamides having a recurring unit of from 3 to 50. These oligomers are water-soluble, preferably have a rigid backbone, have recurring units coupled by carbonyl linking moieties which have anionic groups, display predominantly linear geometry such that regular spacing between anionic groups exists in an aqueous medium, and are pharmaceutically-acceptable. The narrow poly- or mono-dispersed oligomers are useful for the treatment and/or diagnosis of AIDS and/or ARC or HSV.

Abstract: Methods of treatment of the human or animal body are provided to combat conditions responsive to lithium and/or C.sub.18-22 polyunsaturated fatty acid therapy, including conditions associated with essential lithium deficiency, and also transfer of lipid-enveloped viruses between humans or animals or between cells within a human or animal body. The methods include administration of an effective amount of a lithium salt of a C.sub.18-22 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Devices for combatting transmission of viral diseases including lithium salts of a C.sub.18-22 polyunsaturated fatty acid are also provided.

Abstract: A method for activating a mammalian immune system entails a series of continuous IL-2 infusions that are effected intermittently over an extended period. For example, IL-2 can be administered continuously for a period that is on the order of 5 days in length, and successive infusions of this nature can be separated by a period of at least 4 weeks. Sustained beneficial effects, including elevated CD4 cell counts, restoration of lymphocyte function and an increase in the number of IL-2 receptors, are achieved with such intermittent IL-2 therapy, which can be combined with another therapy which targets a specific disease state, such as an anti-retroviral therapy comprising, for example, the administration of AZT, ddI or interferon alpha.

Abstract: A class of predominantly hydrophobic non-azo N-substituted 1,8-naphthalimide compounds, each bearing, at its 3-position, a nucleofuge and, at its 4-position, a heteroatomic electron-releasing group. The heteroatomic electron-releasing group is being characterized as having a heteroatom directly linked to the 4-position of the ring, and having at least one hydrogen directly attached to the heteroatom. Upon activation by an activating agent in an environment independent of the presence or absence of oxygen, these compounds generate activated species. The activated species initiate chemical changes in lipid bilayer membranes of viruses and other target cells. These changes can eradicate viruses and other target cells. The activated species can also cause structural changes in lipid and any associated proteins and polypeptides at a level beneath the surface of the membrane, leading to polymerization and crosslinking.

Abstract: Antiwithdrawal agents and veterinary antiwithdrawal agents are disclosed which contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS) representatives which have the following physical properties:LPS1 Dominant molecular weight: 5,000.+-.1,000 as determined by SDS-PAGR method______________________________________ Phosphorus number: 2 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) Hexosamine number: 9 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) KDO number: 2 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.); ______________________________________LPS2 Dominant molecular weight: 6,500.+-.2,500 as determined by SDS-PAGR method ______________________________________ Phosphorus number: 1 to 2/5,000 (m.w.) Hexosamine number: 7 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) KDO number: 1 to 2/5,000 (m.w.); and ______________________________________LPS3 Dominant molecular weight:6,500.+-.2,500 as determined by SDS-PAGE method ______________________________________ Phosphorus number: 2 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) Hexosamine number: 5 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) KDO number: 2 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.

Abstract: The oral delivery of many classes of drugs is facilitated by converting drugs having suitable functional groups to 1-O-alkyl-, 1-O-acyl-, 1-S-acyl, and 1-S-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate derivatives. The method confers the ability to be absorbed through the digestive tract to drugs that are not orally bioavailable in the non-derivatized state, and enhances the effectiveness of drugs that are poorly absorbed or rapidly eliminated. The method provides orally bioavailable lipid prodrugs of pharmaceutical compounds having diverse physiological activities, including anticancer and antiviral agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antihypertensives and antibiotics. Potency of the lipid prodrugs is comparable to that of the corresponding non-derivatized drugs.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein the radicals A, X, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are defined as follows:A: ##STR2## X: (a) O (b) S(c) CH.sub.2R.sup.1 : H; alkyl containing 1-3 carbon atoms;--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 ; --CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.3 ; --CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 ; ##STR3## --C.tbd.CH p1 R.sup.2 : H; or R.sup.2 constitutes together with R.sup.3 a carbon--carbon bondR.sup.3 : H; F; Cl; Br; I; N.sub.3 ; CN; C.tbd.CH; OH; OCH.sub.3 ; CH.sub.2 OH; and when R.sup.3 is F; Cl; Br; I; N.sub.3 ; CN; C.tbd.CH; OH; OCH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2 OH it may have either the cis-configuration or trans-configuration relative to the hydroxymetyl function at position 4', or R.sup.3 constitutes together with R.sup.2 a carbon--carbon bond, and therapeutically acceptable salts thereof, for use in therapy, in particular for the treatment of HIV virus infections.

Abstract: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has an immune response regulating effect in vertebrates to protect from morbid effect of infection and immune suppressive therapies. DHEA is also effective for use in treatment of alopecia. Protection results from a generalized host response.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for stimulating the immune system of aquatic animals of the class Osteichthyes and subphylum Crustacea comprising administering an effective amount of a yeast cell wall glucan composed of glucopyranose units linked by predominately beta-1,3 glycosidic bonds, having at least one branch therefrom of glucopyranose units linked by beta-1,6 glycosidic bonds. Additionally the invention provides a process for enhancing the effect of vaccines by administering an effective amount of the described yeast cell wall glucan along with vaccine antigens. Further this invention also provides a process for obtaining a glucan particularly effective for stimulating the immune system of aquatic animals of the class Osteichthyes and subphylum Crustacea.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which suppress immune responses and/or selectively inhibit complement. These compounds contain an aromatic ring and are substituted dihydrobenzofurans, spirobenzofuran-2(3H)-cycloalkanes, and their open chain intermediates. The compounds of the present invention, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, interrupt the proteolytic processing of C5 to bioactive components, exhibit immunosuppressive activities, and have therapeutic utility in the amelioration of disease and disorders mediated by complement and/or immune activity.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for allergic diseases containing as an active ingredient an extract of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms. It became possible to provide a medicine enabling allergic diseases to be treated without causing almost no side effects.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an adjuvant composition in the form of an emulsion which is comprised of an emulsion-forming amount of a non-toxic tetra-polyol or of a POP-POE block polymer and an immunopotentiating amount of a muramyldipeptide of the formula: ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where R and R.sub.1 are each independently H or acyl of 1 to 22 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl, R.sub.3 is H, alkyl, or aryl, R.sub.4 is H or lower alkyl, X is L-alanyl, L-.alpha.-aminobutyryl, L-arginyl, L-asparginyl, L-aspartyl, L-cysteinyl, L-glutaminyl, L-glutamyl, glycyl, L-histidyl, L-hydroxyprolyl, L-isoleucyl, L-leucyl, L-lysyl, L-methionyl, L-ornithinyl, L-phenylalanyl, L-prolyl, L-seryl, L-threonyl, L-tyrosyl, L-tryptophanyl, or L-valyl, and Y is D-glutamine, D-isoglutamine or D-isoasparagine. This invention is also directed to a vaccine containing an antigen and an adjuvant composition of the invention.

Abstract: The use of the medicament having analgesic and inflammation-inhibiting action on a plant basis and containing the constituentsPopulus tremulaSolidago virgaureaFraxinus excelsioras the sole carrier of the activity as a basic therapeutic is described.

Abstract: A liquid pharmaceutical composition which can be administered as a foam by means of suitable supplying devices, without necessity of gas propeller, said composition consisting of:a) one or more natural or synthetic ionic or non ionic, acid, basic or neutral surfactants;b) a solvent or a solvent mixture;c) an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients;d) optionally mucoadhesive or thermosetting polymers;e) optional adjuvants or excipients.

Abstract: A suspendible composition comprising a tricyclic compound such as FK 506 substance which is 17-allyl-1,14-dihydroxy-12-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxycyclohexyl)-1-methylviny 1]-23,25-dimethoxy-13,19,21,27-tetramethyl-11,28-dioxa-4-azatricyclo[22.3.1 .0.sup.4,9 ]octacos-18-ene-2,3,10,16-tetraone, or the like, and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant, which can be used as an orally administrable agent or eye drops and is useful for treating various diseases.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is the use of imexon for the production of pharmaceutical compositions with an immunosuppressive action. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing imexon and further active materials.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the immunosuppressive activity of a compound including contacting the compound with calcineurin and determining the ability of the compound to bind to the calcineurin. The ability to bind to the calcineurin is positively correlated to the immunosuppressive activity of the compound.

Abstract: A purified human B-cell differentiation factor (BCDF) which does not have a natural signal peptide attached to the N-terminal thereof, DNA encoding the BCDF, transformed cells containing such DNA, a process for producing and obtaining the BCDF, compositions containing the BCDF and various therapeutic uses are disclosed.

Abstract: In vivo and in vitro methods are taught for stimulating the differentiation of stem cells using certain bryostatins. Stem cells can be induced to form granulocytes, macrophages and erythrocytes. In addition, the cytotoxicity of mature neutrophils can be activated. These methods may substitute for those requiring human colony stimulating factors.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the development of malignant tumors and the formation of metastases of malignant tumor cells in a subject carrying the comprises administering to the subject IL-2 and an agent selected from the group consisting of histamine, a histamine structural analogs having H.sub.2 -receptor activities, an endogenous histamine releasing preparation, and a non-histamine derivative H.sub.2 -receptor agonist; the agent and the IL-2 being administered in amounts and for a time effective to attain the desired effect. A method of increasing the anti-tumor cell effect of IL-2 in a subject comprises co-administering to the subject IL-2 and an agent such as histamine, histamine structural analogs having H.sub.2 -receptor activities, endogenous histamine releasing preparations or H.sub.2 -receptor agonists, the agent and the IL-2 being administered in anti-tumor effective amounts and for a period of time effective to attain the desired effect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for testing the susceptibility of a mammal to inflammatory diseases which comprises the steps of:administering to a mammal a compound selected from the group consisting of Type 1 mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, opiate antagonists, estrogen antagonists or mixed estrogen agonists/antagonists, progesterone agonists; or a combination of an estrogen antagonist with one or a combination of a Type I glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, a Type II glucocorticoid agonist or a progesterone agonist which is effective in stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; andmeasuring the level of at least one hormone secreted by the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenal glands of said mammal.The present invention is also directed to methods of treating inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Novel LPS having the following physical properties, novel bacilli providing those LPS, and novel immunity stimulators, anagesics, and antiwithdrawal agents, and novel veterinary immunity stimulators, analgesics, and antiwithdrawal agents containing LPS selected from the group consisting of those LPSs and mixtures thereof.LPS1 Dominant molecular weight: 5,000.+-.1,000 as determined by______________________________________ SDS-PAGE method ______________________________________ Phosphorus number: 2 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) Hexosamine number: 9 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) KDO number: 2 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) ______________________________________LPS2 Dominant molecular weight: 6,500.+-.2,500 as determined by ______________________________________ SDS-PAGE method ______________________________________ Phosphorus number: 1 to 2/5,000 (m.w.) Hexosamine number: 7 .+-. 1/5,000 (m.w.) KDO number: 1 to 2/5,000 (m.w.) ______________________________________ LPS3 Dominant molecular weight: 6,500.+-.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cyclosporin, e.g. Ciclosporin or [Nva].sup.2 -Ciclosporin, in "microemulsion pre-concentrate" and microemulsion form. The compositions typically comprise (1.1) a C.sub.1-5 alkyl or tetrahydrofurfuryl di- or partial-ether of a low molecular weight mono- or poly-oxy-alkane diol, e.g. Transcutol or Glycofurol, as hydrophilic component. Compositions are also provided comprising a cyclosporin and (1.1) and, suitably, also a saccharide monoester, e.g. raffinose or saccharose monolaurate. Dosage forms include topical formulations and, in particular, oral dosage forms.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting .DELTA..sup.5 -desaturase comprising an effective ingredient selected from the group consisting of lignan compounds, curcumin and piperonyl butoxide. As the lignan compounds sesamin, sesaminol, episesamin, episesaminol, sesamolin, 2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-6-(3-methoxy-4 -hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane, 2,6-bis-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane, and 2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-6 -(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]-octane are used. Moreover the effective ingredient may be a sesame oil extract or sesame seed extract.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating Epstein-Barr virus infection. The method comprises administering a therapeutically-effective amount of a mammalian liver extract, the extract being characterized by being heat stable, insoluble in acetone and soluble in water, peptide or peptide fragment selected from the groups consisting of Sequence Identification Numbers 1-9.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel class of immunosuppressive compounds having an affinity for the FK-506 binding protein (FKBP). Once bound to this protein, the immunosuppressive compounds inhibit the prolyl peptidyl cis-trans isomerase (rotamass) activity of the FKBP and inhibit T cell activation. As such, the compounds of this invention can be used as immunosuppressive drugs to prevent or significantly reduce graft rejection in bone marrow and organ transplantations and for use in the treatment of a wide variety of autoimmune diseases in humans and other mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of INHIB in the detection and inhibition of inflammation. INHIB is structurally identical to the C3 .beta.-chain.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for their use in modulating animal cellular responses are disclosed. The compositions include as an active agent an effective amount of an 8-substituted guanine derivative bonded 9-1' to an aldose having 5 or 6 carbon atoms in the aldose chain. The composition includes a diluent amount of a physiologically tolerable carrier. The guanine derivative is free of electrically charged functionality, while the 8-substituent has an electron withdrawing inductive effect greater than that of hydrogen and contains fewer than about 15 atoms. Animal cellular responses are modulated by contacting the cells with a composition of this invention.

Abstract: New proteins, termed GAP 31, obtainable from the seeds of Gelonium multiflorum, and DAP 30 and DAP 32, obtainable from the leaves or seeds of Dianthus caryophyllus, or the above proteins produced by recombinant means, are useful for treating HIV infections. In treating HIV infections, the protein is administered alone or in conjunction with other anti-HIV therapeutics. Also provided are processes for purifying the proteins, DNA sequences encoding the proteins, hosts expressing the proteins, recombinant DNA methods for expressing the proteins, and antibodies specific for the proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and preparations for reducing IgE antibodies to allergens in allergic subjects wherein substance P and an allergen or fragments of allergens or haptens acting as allergens are administered together to the allergic subjects. The method can be used to treat humans and animals including dogs, cats, horses and subhuman primates.

Abstract: Adjuvants for enhancing the immune response to an antigen are provided comprising the adjuvant incorporated into a lipid layer where the adjuvant is covalently or non-covalently involved in a polymeric system. Conveniently, the adjuvant may be conjugated to a polymerizable group and co-polymerized with a water-soluble and/or amphiphilic polymerizable monomer or combined with a polymerized amphiphile. The adjuvant and antigen may then be administered to a mammalian host to obtain enhanced immune response.

Abstract: Acemannan has been shown to be effective in treating a number of conditions where the principal mechanism of resolution or cure requires intervention by the patient's immune system. Acemannan has direct stimulatory effects on the immune system. Methods for treating cancer, viral diseases, respiratory and immune regulatory diseases, inflammations, infections and infestations by administering an acetylated mannan derivative, such as acemannan derived from aloe, are described. The method finds use in tissue cultures, animals and plants.

Abstract: A benzonaphthalene compound has the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents ##STR2## or (ii) --CH.sub.2 OH; R.sub.6 represents ##STR3## or OR.sub.7 wherein R.sub.7 represents hydrogen, alkyl having 1-20 carbon atoms, monohydroxyalkyl or polyhydroxyalkyl, r' or r" represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, mono or polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl or a residue of an amino acid or a sugar, or together form a heterocycle; R.sub.2 represents hydrogen, alkyl having 1-15 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1-4 carbon atoms or a cycloaliphatic radical; R.sub.3 represents hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1-10 carbon atoms, a cycloaliphatic radical, a thiocycloaliphatic radical or --O--Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --R.sub.8 wherein R.sub.8 represents lower alkyl; and R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy or lower acyloxy.This compound is useful in the topical and systemic treatment of dermatologic diseases and in the treatment of the degeneration of conjunctive tissues.