A correlation of in vitro tests for the immune response detection: a bovine trichophytosis model

The aim of our study was to extend knowledge about possibilities of replacing challenge tests by in vitro methods in cattle on the model of trichophytosis. We correlated results of three in vitro tests for the detection of immune response, i.e. a specific antigen-driven lymphocyte transformation test measured by (3)H-thymidine incorporation, specific antigen-induced production of interferon-gamma and detection of IgG1 and IgG2 isotypes of specific antibodies, in calves vaccinated against the disease or challenged with Trichophyton verrucosum as causative agent. The results obtained in the present study by different methods are correlated together. Lymphocyte transformation test correlated positively with interferon-gamma production. Ratio of IgG1 to IgG2 isotypes of antibody correlated negatively with both cell-mediated methods. Moreover the results show that any of the methods might in future replace the in vivo challenge tests that are still conventionally used for testing of newly developed vaccines.