The Immune Response of Random-Bred Hartley Strain Guinea Pigs to 2,4-Dinitrophenyl Conjugates of a Copolymer of l-Glutamic Acid and l-Lysine

Abstract
Summary: A study of the role of the PLL gene in controlling the anti-DNP antibody response to DNP-GL was performed. Equilibrium dialysis of serum globulin against 3H-DNP-EACA demonstrated a binding capacity corresponding to less than 0.55 µg/ml of serum antibody in guinea pigs lacking the PLL gene. The binding capacities of serum globulin from these animals did not differ appreciably and consistently from that observed with control serum globulin fractions from guinea pigs immunized with unconjugated GL. On the other hand, guinea pigs possessing the PLL genetic factor had serum anti-DNP antibody concentrations of from 0.18 to 2.20 mg/ml at 2 weeks after DNP-GL immunization. These data are compatible with the dependence of a significant antibody response to DNP-GL on the presence of the PLL genetic factor.