Gamma-irradiated scrub typhus immunogens: development of cell-mediated immunity after vaccination of inbred mice

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Infect. Immun.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6220377

Jerrells, T R; Palmer, B A; Osterman, J V

Mice immunized with three injections of gamma-irradiated Karp strain of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi were evaluated for the presence of cell-mediated immunity by using delayed-type hypersensitivity, antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation, and antigen-induced lymphokine production. These animals also were evaluated for levels of circulating antibody after immunization as well as for the presence of rickettsemia after intraperitoneal challenge with viable Karp rickettsiae. After immunization with irradiated Karp rickettsiae, a demonstrable cell-mediated immunity was present as evidenced by delayed-type hypersensitivity responsiveness, lymphocyte proliferation, and production of migration inhibition factor and interferon by immune spleen lymphocytes. Also, a reduction in circulating rickettsiae was seen in mice immunized with irradiated rickettsiae after challenge with 1,000 50% mouse lethal doses of viable, homologous rickettsiae. All responses except antibody titer and reduction of rickettsemia were similar to the responses noted in mice immunized with viable organisms. Antibody levels were lower in mice immunized with irradiated rickettsiae than in mice immunized with viable rickettsiae. Furthermore, mice that were immunized with viable rickettsiae demonstrated markedly lower levels of rickettsemia after intraperitoneal challenge compared with either mice immunized with irradiated rickettsiae or nonimmunized mice.

• Research Organization: Department of Rickettsial Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6220377
• Journal Information: Infect. Immun.; (United States), Journal Name: Infect. Immun.; (United States) Vol. 39:1; ISSN INFIB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560134* -- Radiation Effects on Microorganisms-- Vaccine Preparation & Other Applications-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
ANTIBODIES
ANTIGEN-ANTIBODY REACTIONS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DISEASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GAMMA RADIATION
IMMUNE REACTIONS
IMMUNITY
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
INJECTION
INTAKE
INTRAPERITONEAL INJECTION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MAMMALS
MICE
MICROORGANISMS
RADIATIONS
RICKETTSIAE
RICKETTSIAL DISEASES
RODENTS
SENSITIVITY
TYPHUS
VACCINES
VERTEBRATES