CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNE-RESPONSES IN OWL MONKEYS (AOTUS-TRIVIRGATUS) WITH TRACHOMA TO SOLUBLE-ANTIGENS OF CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 33  (1) , 57-64
Abstract
The 1st temporal study of the cell-mediated immune responses (CMI) following ocular infections with C. trachomatis is presented. The CMI of owl monkeys infected with trachoma to soluble antigens of C. trachomatis was examined by leukocyte migration inhibition (LIF) and delayed hypersensitivity skin testing. Delayed hypersensitivity of a systemic nature developed after a local eye infection in owl monkeys; clearance of inclusions from conjunctival cells coincided with the onset of this response. The association of eye secretion and circulating antibodies with recovery from primary infection was not so striking. Cellular and humoral immune responses persisted for at least 2 mo., at which time all test animals were completely resistant to reinfection. The elicitation of CMI with solubilized chlamydial antigens may permit the isolation of specific antigens involved in the generation of protective immunity in the owl monkey model.