THE HUMAN IMMUNE RESPONSE TO α‐HAEMOCYANIN OF HELIX POMATIA

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Abstract
The immune response to α‐haemocyanin of Helix pomatia (α‐HPH) has been studied in 12 normal subjects. Humoral immunity was assessed by haemagglutination titres, cellular immunity by intracutaneous skin tests and the number of sensitized lymphocytes in the peripheral blood by in vitro lymphocyte stimulation. Immunological responsiveness to α‐HPH (1.0 mg) was established with these parameters in all immunized subjects. The antibodies after primary immunization were nearly exclusively 2‐mercaptoethanol‐sensitive (2‐MES) antibodies. Intracutaneous skin tests with 0.1 mg α‐HPH after 28 days did not disturb the primary immune response, except in one subject who showed a rise in antibody titre although the antibodies remained 2‐MES. Low levels of specific antibodies were present before immunization, probably so‐called “natural” antibodies induced by exposure to cross‐reacting antigens. After secondary immunization a rapid rise in antibody titre occurred and the antibodies were nearly exclusively 2‐MER (IgG). For the investigation of patients with immune deficiencies it will generally be sufficient to assess haemagglutination titres, delayed hypersensitivity and in vitro lymphocyte stimulation before and 3 weeks after immunization.