Stimulation of non-specific host resistance against Sendai virus and Escherichia coli infections by chitin derivatives in mice.

The efficacy of chitin derivatives on non-specific host resistance to Sendai virus and Escherichia coli infections was studied in mice. Seventy percent deacetylated chitin (DAC-70) and N-trimethylated DAC-70 [DAC-70(Me)3] showed protective activity against Sendai virus infection; however, carboxymethyl-chitin (CM-chitin) did not. DAC-70 also showed protective activity against E. coli infection.