IMMUNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PROTEIN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE COMPLEXES .1. ANTIBODY-RESPONSE OF NORMAL, THYMECTOMIZED, AND NUDE MICE TO A LYSOZYME LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE COMPLEX

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 119  (2) , 504-509
Abstract
The in vivo antibody response to the lysozyme component of a lysozyme-lipopolysaccharide complex was investigated in normal, thymectomized and nude mice. The splenic PFC [plaque-forming cell] response elicited by the complex in CBA mice is 10- to 20-fold higher than the response elicited by lysozyme admixed with LPS [lipopolysaccharide] [Salmonella enteritidis]. Lysozyme-LPS complexes and lysozyme + LPS mixtures prime mice for a subsequent secondary anti-lysozyme response. Thymectomized mice responded poorly to lysozyme-LPS complexes unless reconstituted with splenic T [thymus-derived] cells. Nude mice responded as well as Nu/+ controls to the complex. The PFC response of normal and of nude mice was severely depressed by treatment with anti-lymphocyte serum. T lymphocytes apparently contribute significantly to the enhanced immune responsiveness associated with LPS administration.