PROTECTION AGAINST GRAM-NEGATIVE INFECTION BY SUPER-ACTIVE ANTIGEN

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  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 31  (5) , 707-715
Abstract
Super-active antigens, i.e., modified antigens were released from bacteria which were phagocytosed and killed by human leukocytes, induced protective responses in mice within 24 h of immunization. At the earliest time (24 H) when immunized mice were protected against lethal i.p. challenge by the bacteria from which the super-active antigens were made (Proteus mirabilis), the leukocytes of peripheral blood from immunized mice showed enhanced phagocytosis and killing of autologous bacteria. There was an increase in the number of lymphocytes producing anti-Proteus antibody. Another mouse protective factor inducing transient protection lasting 1-2 days against lethal i.p. challenge by P. mirabilis was found in preparations of lysed human leukocytes not engaged in phagocytosis. Burned mice, immunized with super-active antigen preparations, were protected against lethal invasive Proteus infection induced by inoculation onto the burn surface 2 h after burning and immunization.