The immunogenic activity of ribosomal fractions derived fromBrucella abortus

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The immunizing activity of ribosome preparations derived fromBrucella abortusstrain 19 cells was examined in guinea-pigs and mice. After subcutaneous injections ofBr. abortusribosomes in Freund's incomplete adjuvant, both mice and guinea-pigs developed immunity to challenge by virulentBr. abortus544 organisms which was at least as effective as the protection conferred by live strain 19 vaccine. Both mice and guinea-pigs also developed agglutinating and complement-fixing antibodies and delayed hypersensitivity toBr. abortusantigens. Conversely, ribosome preparations elicited delayed hypersensitivity reactions on intracutaneous injection into guinea-pigs chronically infected withBr. abortusorBr. melitensis.On injection into rabbits,Br. abortusribosomes incorporated in incomplete adjuvant induced high titres of agglutinins, complement fixing antibodies and precipitins forBr. abortusantigens. On immunochemical examination, the ribosome preparations were not grossly contaminated with antigens derived from the cell surface. They were chemically complex, however, and in addition to RNA contained numerous protein components identified by disk electrophoresis. The nature of the components responsible for conferring protection againstBr. abortuswas not determined.