Therapy-enhancing glucan

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.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A method of treating infection in a subject, comprising the step of administering to said subject a β-glucan. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said glucan is derived from yeast. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said glucan comprises a β-1,3 backbone with branches attached to the backbone via β-1,6-linkages. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the glucose units in said branches are β-1,3 linked. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said glucan has a molecular weight of 10-350 kDa. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said glucan is administered orally or intravenously. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said glucan is administered at about 25 mg/kg/day.