Method for immune system activation by administration of a .beta.(1-3) glucan which is produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain R4

• US 5,504,079 A
• Filed: 11/14/1994
• Issued: 04/02/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Biothera, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Alpha-Beta Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Ostroff, Gary R., Jamas, Spiros, Easson, D. Davidson Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Knode, Marian C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Witz, Jean C.
• Application Number:
  US08/339,632
• Time in Patent Office: 505 Days
• Field of Search: 536/1.1, 536/114, 514/54
• US Class Current: 514/54
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/715 Polysaccharides, i.e. having more than five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic linkages; Derivatives thereof, e.g. ethers, esters
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 37/04 Immunostimulants

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.

Claims

1. A method for inducing an immune system response in an animal comprising administering to the animal an aqueous insoluble β

(1-3) glucan obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain R4 (NRRL Y-15903) in an amount sufficient to induce an immune system response in the animal.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the β

(1-3) glucan is administered orally or parenterally.

3. A method for treating infection in an animal comprising administering to the animal an aqueous insoluble β

(1-3) glucan obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain R4 (NRRL Y-15903) in an amount sufficient to treat the infection in the animal.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the β

(1-3) glucan is administered orally or parenterally.

5. A method for enhancing the microbicidal activity of phagocytic cells in an animal comprising administering to the animal an aqueous insoluble β

(1-3) glucan obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain R4 (NRRL Y-15903) in an amount sufficient for enhancing the microbicidal activity of said phagocytic cells.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the β

(1-3) glucan is administered orally or parenterally.