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Induction of cell-mediated immunity to Mycobacterium leprae in mice

Journal Article · · Infect. Immun.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5577897
The immune response of mice to armadillo-derived, irradiation-killed Mycobacterium leprae (I-ML) was investigated. Following injection of 100 microgram of I-ML into the left hind footpads of mice, a state of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was engendered to antigens of M. leprae. The evidence for CMI was as follows: (1) development of delayed-type hypersensitivity to both human tuberculin purified protein derivative and soluble M. leprae antigens; (2) T-lymphocyte-dependent macrophage activation at the inoculation site; (3) specific systemaic resistance to the cross-reactive species M. tuberculosis; and (4) immunopotentiation of the delayed-type hypersensitivity response to an unrelated antigen. The CMI induced by I-ML in aqueous suspension was greater than that obtained with the same antigen in water-in-oil emulsion, even though the latter generated a more severe reaction at the site of immunization. I-ML also induced a stronger CMI response than the corresponding dose of heat-killed BCG.
Research Organization:
Trudeau Inst., Inc., Saranac Lake, NY
OSTI ID:
5577897
Journal Information:
Infect. Immun.; (United States), Journal Name: Infect. Immun.; (United States) Vol. 19:1; ISSN INFIB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English