Normal cellular and humoral immunologic parameters in the baboon (Papio ursinus) compared to human standards

Normal adult Chacma baboons were investigated with reference to their basic immunological parameters, including serum immunoglobulin concentrations, proportions of T- and B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, and lymphocyte response to activators. As rabbit antihuman antisera to immunoglobulins were used for the serum immunoglobulin determinations, cross-reactivity between human and baboon immunoglobulins was evaluated, and it was found that human and baboon IgG and IgM were both completely cross-reactive, while IgA was partially cross-reactive. The serum immunoglobulin concentrations, proportions of T- and B-lymphocytes, and response to activators were found to be similar to those of man. These findings indicate that the Chacma baboon would be a useful and relevant model for the study of cellular and humoral immunology.