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Elevated adjuvanticity of non-acid-fast mycobacteria
Infection and Immunity
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Non-acid-fast Mycobacterium avium significantly boosted antibody production and B cell proliferation in guinea pigs. This immunostimulant also enhanced delayed hypersensitivity and reticuloendothelial system activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium is a complex bacterial species.
- Non-acid-fast variants of M. avium may possess unique immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunogenic potential of non-acid-fast (NAF) Mycobacterium avium.
- To compare the immune responses induced by NAF M. avium with those induced by ovalbumin or normal M. avium.
Main Methods:
- Administration of NAF M. avium to guinea pigs.
- Measurement of circulating antibody response.
- Assessment of delayed hypersensitivity.
- Evaluation of B cell proliferation.
- Analysis of granuloma formation.
- Assessment of reticuloendothelial system phagocytic activity in mice.
Main Results:
- NAF M. avium induced a sevenfold greater circulating antibody response compared to ovalbumin in Freund incomplete adjuvant.
- NAF M. avium showed comparable or stronger induction of delayed hypersensitivity than normal M. avium.
- NAF M. avium markedly stimulated B cell proliferation in regional sites.
- Induction of local granuloma was less with NAF M. avium than with normal M. avium.
- Administration of NAF M. avium significantly increased phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system in mice.
Conclusions:
- Non-acid-fast Mycobacterium avium is a potent B cell mitogen and adjuvant.
- NAF M. avium enhances both humoral and cellular immune responses.
- NAF M. avium demonstrates potential as an immunostimulant for enhancing antibody production and systemic immune activity.