Dinitrophenylated Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin Research Articles

Intrabursal immunization as a possible route to overcome immunosuppression due to maternal antibodies

Vaccination is the most effective mean of preventing, controlling, and even eradicating infectious diseases. Poultry are vaccinated through various routes including eye/nose drops, drinking water, vent brush, or injections. The prolonged suppression effect of maternal antibodies on humoral immune response of newly hatched chicks to active immunization has been reported, while the effect of vaccination route on this suppression still unclear. Laying hens were immunized with dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH). Purified maternal anti-DNP or non-specific IgY antibodies were transferred by yolk sac inoculation to newly hatched chicks (chicks of maternal and no-maternal antibodies), and they were immunized with DNP-KLH via intrabursal route at 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) and with 1 mg/kg BW intraperitoneally at 1 and 4 weeks of age. Concentration of anti-DNP antibodies in serum samples of these chicks was measured by using Enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The immune response to intrabursal immunization was higher in chicks of no-maternal antibodies than that of chicks of maternal antibodies at 5 weeks of age. Intrabursal immunization showed higher response than intraperitoneal one at the same dose. These results confirmed that the immune suppressive effect of maternal antibodies on the immune response of the newly hatched chicks was antigen specific and depends on the ratio of antigen/maternal antibody at the time of immunization. Furthermore, intrabursal vaccination showed promising results than intraperitoneal vaccination at the same dose.

Low-Dose Subcutaneous Anti-CD20 Treatment Depletes Disease Relevant B Cell Subsets and Attenuates Neuroinflammation.

To explore the B cell depleting capacity of a low-dose (20μg) subcutaneous mouse anti-CD20 antibody treatment on disease-relevant B cell populations within lymph nodes and the spleen. B cell depleting capacity was explored in healthy female C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice; following immune activation in two different mouse models: trinitrophenylated lipopolysaccharide model (thymus-independent response) and dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin model (thymus-dependent response); and in a chronic neuroinflammation experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. CD20 protein expression on B cell subpopulations was also studied. The subcutaneous anti-CD20 regimen resulted in rapid depletion of B cells in blood, lymph nodes and spleen. Low-dose subcutaneous treatment did not reduce antigen-specific immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G titers in all subgroups, and relatively spared splenic marginal zone (MZ) B cells in both T cell dependent and T cell independent B cell immunization models. Analysis of immune compartments during anti-CD20-modulated autoimmune neuroinflammation showed that the maximal B cell depletion was achieved within 2days of treatment and was highest in the lymph node. Regardless of the tissues analyzed, low-dose subcutaneous treatment was characterized by rapid B cell repletion following treatment cessation. CD20 protein expression was consistent on all B cell subsets in blood, and was more pronounced in germinal center B cells of lymph nodes and MZ B-cells of the spleen. Low-dose subcutaneous anti-CD20 therapy effectively depleted B cells within lymphatic tissues and reduced the severity of neuroinflammation. These data suggest that subcutaneous anti-CD20 therapies can effectively target disease-relevant B cell populations, have shorter repletion kinetics and maintain vaccination responses, thereby achieving autoimmune amelioration without severely impacting immune surveillance functions. Graphical Abstract *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01. CD, cluster of differentiation; DNP-KLH, dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin; EC50, concentration of a drug that gives half-maximal response; Ig, immunoglobulin; MZ, marginal zone; s.c., subcutaneous; SEM, standard error of mean; TNP-LPS, trinitrophenylatedlipopolysaccharide.

MIDD0301 – A first‐in‐class anti‐inflammatory asthma drug targets GABAA receptors without causing systemic immune suppression

We report a 28-day repeat dose immunotoxicity evaluation of investigational drug MIDD0301, a novel oral asthma drug candidate that targets gamma amino butyric acid type A receptors (GABAA R) in the lung. The study design employed oral administration of mice twice daily throughout the study period with 100mg/kg MIDD0301 mixed in peanut butter. Compound dosing did not reveal signs of general toxicity as determined by animal weight, organ weight or haematology. Peanut butter plus test drug (in addition to ad libitum standard rodent chow) did not affect weight gain in the adult mice, in contrast to weight loss in 5mg/kg prednisone-treated mice. Spleen and thymus weights were unchanged in MIDD0301-treated mice, but prednisone significantly reduced the weight of those organs over the 28-day dosing. Similarly, no differences in spleen or thymus histology were observed following MIDD0301 treatment, but prednisone treatment induced morphological changes in the spleen. The number of small intestine Peyer's patches was not affected by MIDD0301 treatment, an important factor for orally administered drugs. Circulating lymphocyte, monocyte and granulocyte numbers were unchanged in the MIDD0301-treated animals, whereas differential lymphocyte numbers were reduced in prednisone-treated animals. MIDD0301 treatment did not alter IgG antibody responses to dinitrophenyl following dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet haemocyanin immunization, indicating that systemic humoral immune function was not affected. Taken together, these studies show that repeated daily administration of MIDD0301 is safe and not associated with adverse immunotoxicological effects in mice.

Zymosan A enhances humoral immune responses to soluble protein in chickens.

Vaccination is the most effective method for controlling the infectious diseases that threaten the poultry industry worldwide. The use of adjuvants or immunostimulants is often necessary to improve vaccine efficacy, particularly for vaccines based on recombinant protein or inactivated pathogens. The adjuvant effects of zymosan A on antigen-specific antibody production were investigated in chickens. First, the optimal adjuvant dose of zymosan A was determined. Chicks were immunized with dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH) at a dosage of 2 mg/kg body weight (BW) with or without zymosan A (at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg BW) co-administration at 4, 5 and 6 weeks of age. Different routes of immunization (oral, intranasal (i.n.), intraocular (i.o.), subcutaneous (s.c.), intramuscular (i.m.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) were tested. Anti-DNP IgY and IgA concentrations in serum samples from all chicks were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results revealed that co-administration of zymosan A with DNP-KLH significantly increased anti-DNP IgY concentrations in chicks immunized by the oral and s.c. routes of administration when compared with control groups. In addition, co-administration of zymosan A with DNP-KLH significantly increased anti-DNP IgA concentrations in chicks immunized by the oral, i.o. and s.c. routes compared with control groups. In conclusion, zymosan A is a useful immune-potentiator adjuvant in chickens, and its co-administration with vaccine antigens enhances humoral immune responses.

Induction of non-specific suppression in chicks by specific combination of maternal antibody and related antigen.

Specific immune suppression in newly hatched chicks induced by specific maternal antibodies has been reported. Laying hens were immunized with dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH). Purified maternal anti-DNP and non-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) Y antibodies were transferred by yolk sac inoculation to newly hatched chicks, and then, they were immunized with an optimum immunogenic dose of DNP-KLH at 1 and 4 weeks of age. Concentrations of anti-DNP antibodies in serum samples of these chicks were measured by using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Proportions of T-cell subsets in peripheral blood of these chicks were also measured by flow cytometric analysis at 5 weeks of age (one week after the second immunization). Suppression of anti-DNP antibody response and down-regulation of CD3+CD4+ cells were observed in the chicks received high dose of maternal anti-DNP antibodies and immunized with DNP-KLH. On the other hand, normal anti-DNP antibody response and normal proportion of CD3+CD4+ cells were observed in the chicks received high dose of non-specific IgY antibodies and immunized with DNP-KLH. Furthermore, when chicks received high dose of maternal anti-DNP antibodies and immunized with DNP-KLH at 1 and 4 weeks of age and then with rabbit serum albumin (RSA) at 5 and 8 weeks of age, their primary anti-RSA response was also significantly suppressed. We indicate here that specific maternal antibodies can affect both B and T cell responses and induce non-specific suppression against different antigens. However, this non-specific suppression does not continue for a long time.

HemoHIM Ameliorates the Persistent Down-Regulation of Th1-like Immune Responses in Fractionated γ-Irradiated Mice by Modulating the IL-12p70-STAT4 Signaling Pathway

Whole body irradiated mice appear to experience a down-regulation of the helper T (Th)1-like immune response, and maintain a persistent immunological imbalance. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of HemoHIM (an herbal product made from Angelica Radix, Cnidium officinale , and Paeonia japonica cultivated in Korea) to ameliorate the immunological imbalance induce in fractionated γ-irradiated mice. The mice were exposed to γ rays twice a week (0.5 Gy fractions) for a total dose of 5 Gy, and HemoHIM was administrated orally from 1 week before the first irradiation to 1 week before the final analysis. All experiments were performed 4 and 6 months after their first exposure. HemoHIM ameliorated the Th1- and Th2-related immune responses normally occur in irradiated mice with or without dinitrophenylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunization. HemoHIM also restored the natural killer cell activities without changing the percentage of natural killer cells in irradiated mice. Furthermore, the administration of HemoHIM prevented the reduction in levels of interleukin-12p70 in irradiated mice. Finally, we found that HemoHIM enhanced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 4 that was reduced in irradiated mice. Our findings suggest that HemoHIM ameliorates the persistent down-regulation of Th1-like immune responses by modulating the IL-12p70/pSTAT4 signaling pathway.

Immune Responses of Female BALB/c and C57BL/6 Neonatal Mice to Vaccination or Intestinal Infection Are Unaltered by Exposure to Breast Milk Lycopene

Lycopene, a carotenoid produced by some commonly consumed plants such as tomatoes, is not synthesized by animals. Thus, the levels of lycopene found in the breast milk of lactating females reflect the dietary lycopene supply. Lycopene has potent antioxidant activity but has also been implicated in modulating immune function. Therefore, lycopene in breast milk has the potential to affect the development and/or function of the immune system in the suckling pups. Here, we have investigated the impact of breast milk lycopene on systemic and mucosal immunity in mouse neonates. Diets containing 0.3 g/kg lycopene (Lyc) or control (Con) diets were fed to mouse dams beginning at late gestation and continuing throughout lactation. Seven-day-old female BALB/c pups were parenterally immunized with a model vaccine antigen dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH) and then reimmunized as adults. The levels of DNP-KLH–specific IgG in the sera as well as keyhole limpet hemocyanin-specific IFNγ and IL-4 production by splenic CD4+ cells were similar in the Lyc and Con pups. In addition, female neonatal (d7) C57BL/6 Lyc and Con pups were infected orally with the enteropathogen Yersinia enterocolitica. Breast milk lycopene had no effect on the recruitment of neutrophils to intestinal lymphoid tissues or on bacterial tissue colonization of the intestines, spleens, and livers. Thus, suckling pups exposed to lycopene in breast milk appear to develop normal innate and adaptive responses both systemically and at intestinal mucosal surfaces.

The Early Marginal Zone B Cell-Initiated T-Independent Type 2 Response Resists the Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. We recently demonstrated that bortezomib eliminates autoreactive plasma cells in systemic lupus erythematosus mouse models, thereby representing a promising novel treatment for Ab-mediated diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of bortezomib on the just developing and pre-existing T-dependent Ab response toward dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin and the T-independent type 2 response toward (4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NIP)-Ficoll in BALB/c mice. Bortezomib treatment strongly reduced T-dependent Ab titers mainly due to depletion of plasma cells. In contrast, the early T-independent type 2 response against i.v. administered NIP-Ficoll, which is predominantly dependent on marginal zone (MZ) B cells, resisted bortezomib. Upon bortezomib treatment, immunoproteasome subunits and the antiapoptotic unfolded protein response including NF-κB were induced in NIP-Ficoll-stimulated MZ B cells, but not in plasma cells and follicular B cells. In summary, bortezomib treatment decreases Ab titers arising from T-dependent immune responses predominantly by eliminating plasma cells. In contrast, the early T-independent type 2 response protecting the organism against blood-borne pathogens remains largely intact due to a remarkable resistance of MZ B cells against proteasome inhibition.

Induction of Immune Suppression in the Chick by an Optimal Dose of an Immunizing Antigen in the Presence of its Specific Maternal Antibody

Prolonged interference or suppression of maternal antibodies of the humoral immune response of newly hatched chicks to active immunization has been documented; however, the immunological mechanisms responsible for such suppression are still unclear. Laying hens were immunized with dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH). Purified maternal anti-DNP or non-specific IgY antibodies were transferred by yolk sac inoculation to newly hatched chicks, and they were immunized with DNP-KLH or rabbit serum albumen (RSA) at 1 and 4 weeks of age. The concentrations of anti-DNP and anti-RSA antibodies in serum samples of these chicks were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The immune responses of the chicks that received a high dose of maternal anti-DNP antibodies and were immunized with an appropriate dose of DNP-KLH were suppressed. However, those of the chicks that received the same high dose of maternal non-specific IgY antibodies and were immunized with an appropriate dose of DNP-KLH and those of the chicks that received a high dose of maternal anti-DNP antibodies and were immunized with RSA were not suppressed. On the other hand, suppression of anti-DNP antibody production would not be induced if the chicks received a high dose of antigen specific maternal antibodies and were immunized with a high dose of the same antigen. These results revealed that the immune suppressive effect of maternal antibodies on the immune response of the newly hatched chicks was antigen specific and depended mainly on the ratio of antigen/maternal antibody at the time of immunization.

Prolonged Suppression of Chick Humoral Immune Response by Antigen Specific Maternal Antibody

Although the inhibitory effect of maternal antibodies on active immunization of neonates has been extensively documented, much less attention has been devoted on the exact level of these antibodies which can induce this effect and the extent of such effect. Firstly, laying hens were immunized with dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH).Then, maternal anti-DNP antibodies in chicks derived from these hens were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chicks with high levels of maternal anti-DNP showed immune suppression, while chicks with low levels of maternal anti-DNP showed normal immune response when they immunized with the same antigen at 1 and 4 weeks of age. Then, different doses of purified maternal anti-DNP were transferred to fertile eggs at 16 days of embryogenesis by in ovo injection and all chicks were immunized with DNP-KLH at 1 and 4 weeks of age. Chicks received 1 mg of anti-DNP showed normal immune response, chicks received 3 mg of anti-DNP showed weak immune response, and chicks received 5 and 8 mg of anti-DNP showed immune suppression. Chicks received 8 mg of anti-DNP were immunized with DNP-KLH at 4 and 7 weeks of age. Their immune response was significantly lower than that of chicks of no-maternal anti-DNP. These results suggested that high levels of maternal antibodies interfere or suppress the immune response of active immunization not only at early period but also at the period in which the maternal antibodies at very low levels.

Dendrimer modified biochip for detection of 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene on SPR immunosensor: Fabrication and advantages

This paper describes the fabrication and evaluation of new sensor chip technology based on application of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 4 (G4) for enhancing surface loading capacity and efficiency for selective and sensitive detection of explosive molecule trinitrotoluene (TNT) under competitive inhibition assay format. The fabrication process of a nano-scale biosensor chip surface was optimized at various steps involving thiol layer, cross-linker, dinitro phenylated-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH) protein conjugate as ligand. The top ligand layer is supported by underlying 11-amino 1-undecanethiol hydrochloride (AUT) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and PAMAM dendrimer G4. Bis-sulfosuccinimidyl suberate (BS 3) was used as homobifunctional crosslinker to react with amine groups at both the ends. PAMAM dendrimer activation was achieved over 11-amino 1-undecanethiol SAMs over gold chip. PAMAM sensor surfaces scored many advantages over the planer surfaces such as enhanced antibody immobilization, allowing the use of lower concentrated antibody to work under the regime of lower detection limit besides stable and robust surface leading to longer life. Bioactive thin films were fabricated over gold chip via layer-by-layer self-assembly methods. Biomolecular interaction between DNP-KLH conjugate surface and specific TNP-gly-KLH mouse IgG antibody was monitored through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based real-time optical transducer. The quantitation of TNT on this bioactive surface was done using the competitive inhibition immunoassay. The DNP-KLH surface biosensor has shown a detection limit of 110 ppt for TNT molecule. This TNT specific biosensor holds the promise to be most sensitive, easy to regenerate, highly stable, low response loss sensor surface under competitive assay format. A 12 s injection of 10 mM glycine–HCl solution or 50 mM NaOH solution was found adequate for regeneration of DNP-KLH surface for repeated use. DNP-KLH sensor platform was checked for its repeatability and storability.

Erythropoietin Augments Antibody Response to DNP in Immunized Mice.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo), the main growth regulator of red blood cells, has been used in clinical practice for the treatment of anemia of various etiologies. Over the last decade several reports have indicated that the action of Epo is not restricted to the erythroid lineage. Studies indicate that rHuEpo treatment may have an immunomodulatory effect on hemodialysis patients. Here we address the effects of rHuEpo on the humoral immune response of mice. Naïve BALB/c mice (two groups of 16 mice each) were immunized with 2mg antigen dinitrophenylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH). Concomitant to antigen injection, the mice were injected three times weekly with rHuEpo (180U per injection) or with diluent (control). Blood samples were taken 2 and 4 weeks after immunization and anti-DNP antibody levels were measured by ELISA. Production of anti DNP antibodies increased significantly (1.5–2 fold) in the initial phase of the response (2 weeks following DNP-KLH injection) in mice injected with rHuEpo compared to their counterpart control antigen-injected mice, that received diluent only.These data indicate that erythropoietin may have a role in stimulating the humoral arm of the immune system, suggesting an immunomodulatory and/or immunostimulatory role for rHuEpo and may open new avenues in improving the immune response of immunocompromised patients.

Multiple acute temperature stress affects leucocyte populations and antibody responses in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Stress is a potential factor causing increased susceptibility of fish to pathogens. In this study, stress-induced immunological changes that may contribute to a decreased immune status were investigated. A 3 h drop in ambient water temperature of 9 °C was used as a relative mild and acute stress model for carp. Effects of this stressor on the dynamics of leucocyte populations were determined with specific monoclonal antibodies. The relative number of circulating B-lymphocytes in the total leucocyte population decreased significantly within 4 h after the onset of single or multiple cold shocks. This decrease was reversible, as B-lymphocyte numbers were restored within 24 h. Most probably, a redistribution of B-lymphocytes contributed to this phenomenon. In head kidney, an increase was measured in the relative number of B-lymphocytes. Granulocyte numbers showed opposite reactions: the percentage of granulocytes in the total leucocyte population nearly doubled in circulation and decreased significantly in the head kidney. This demonstrates that in vivo, a mild stressor differentially alters the distribution of leucocytes. In stressed carp, the percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes in blood is significantly higher compared with the unstressed animals. B-lymphocytes as well as Ig −lymphoid cells contributed to this increased apoptosis. Labelling of blood lymphocytes with a polyclonal antiserum against the glucocorticoid receptor also showed, besides B-lymphocytes, part of the Ig −lymphoid cell population to be glucocorticoid receptor positive. As the distribution of B-lymphocytes was substantially affected, the effect of temperature stress on T-lymphocyte-independent (trinitrophenyl–lipopolysaccharide) and T-lymphocyte-dependent (dinitrophenyl–keyhole limpet hemocyanin) humoral antibody responses was determined. Kinetics of the primary antibody response to the T-lymphocyte-independent antigen showed lower antibody titres in stressed carp during the onset of the immune response, implying a slower development of the antibody response against the T-lymphocyte-independent antigen.

Influences of anti-mouse interleukin-6 receptor antibody on immune responses in mice

In the present study, we examined the effect of anti-IL-6 receptor antibody (MR16-1) on humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. MR16-1 did not affect antigen-specific antibody production in either the primary or secondary response in mice immunized with dinitro-phenyl (DNP)–keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) in saline. DNP–KLH immunization with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) markedly augmented anti-DNP antibody production and induced interleukin 6 (IL-6) production in serum. In this case, MR16-1 significantly suppressed antibody production and further increased serum IL-6 levels. Regarding the cellular response, we studied the effect on the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. DTH response was induced in mice by the immunization with Mycobacterium butyricum with incomplete Freund's adjuvant and following antigen challenge into the footpad 14 days after immunization. When MR16-1 was injected immediately after immunization, the DTH response was significantly suppressed and enlargement of the spleen was also suppressed. This suppressive effect was observed, when MR16-1 was administered on day 0, but not on days 5 and 10. Again, serum IL-6 levels were much higher in MR16-1-treated mice compared with controls. Furthermore, spleen cells from control mice released IL-2 and INFγ by the stimulation of antigen in vitro. In contrast, spleen cells from MR16-1-treated mice produced these cytokines at a marginal level. In contrast, MR16-1 did not suppress the DTH response, when it was injected immediately after antigen challenge. Our results suggest that IL-6 does not always involve antibody production, although IL-6 augments antibody production, and that IL-6 is essential for the induction of Th1 cells.

The inhibitory effect of anti-allergic agent suplatast tosilate (IPD-1151T) on methacholine- and allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in sensitized mice. asakazu@med.showa-u.dc.jp.

The influence of an anti-allergic agent, suplatast tosilate (IPD-1151T; (+/-)-[2-[4-(3-ethoxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl-carbamoyl]-ethyl] dimethylsulfonium p-toluenesulfonate) on allergic bronchoconstriction induced by allergen and methacholine (MCh) were examined in mice. BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of dinitrophenylated-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH) mixed with A1(OH)3 (DNP-KLH). IPD-1151T was administered orally once a day for either 5 or 14 days in doses of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg. Bronchoconstriction was measured 24h after the final drug administration. IPD-1151T inhibited both antigen- and MCh-mediated bronchoconstriction in actively sensitized mice. The inhibition induced was closely related to the dose and frequency of oral administration of the agent. We also examined the effect of IPD-1151T on IgE production in response to DNP-KLH immunization. IPD-1151T inhibited dose-dependently both total and specific IgE concentrations in serum prepared from mice 15 days after immunization. These results strongly indicate that IPD-1151T inhibits IgE production in vivo and results in attenuating effect on bronchoconstriction.

Cutting Edge: Chronic Intestinal Inflammation in STAT-4 Transgenic Mice: Characterization of Disease and Adoptive Transfer by TNF- Plus IFN-γ-Producing CD4+ T Cells That Respond to Bacterial Antigens

AbstractWe generated transgenic mice for STAT-4, a regulatory protein specifically associated with IL-12 signaling, under the control of a CMV promoter. These mice expressed strikingly increased nuclear STAT-4 levels in lamina propria CD4+ T lymphocytes upon systemic administration of dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin and developed chronic transmural colitis characterized by infiltrates of mainly CD4+ T lymphocytes. The latter cells produced predominantly TNF and IFN-γ but not IL-4 upon activation with αCD3/CD28 or autologous bacterial Ags, consistent with a Th1-type cell response. Furthermore, chronic colitis in STAT-4 transgenic mice could be adoptively transferred to SCID mice by colonic and splenic CD4+ T cells that were activated with Ags from autologous bacterial flora. These data establish a critical molecular signaling pathway involving STAT-4 for the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation, and targeting of this pathway may be relevant for the treatment of colitis in humans.

IgE Memory B Cells Identified by the Polymerase Chain Reaction

The existence of memory B cells for IgE was investigated using spleen cells harvested from mice primed and boosted with dinitrophenylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Using the polymerase chain reaction, it was found that mRNA for IgE was already demonstrable in spleen cells taken 1 day after boost. Spleen cells taken from mice 1 day after boost and culturedin vitrowithout the addition of antigen also produced anti-dinitrophenylated (DNP) IgE antibody. In contrast, mRNA for IgE in spleen cells from mice primed 4 weeks previously, but not boosted, was not demonstrable. Anti-DNP IgE was not produced in cultures of spleen cells from mice primed but not boosted. As mRNA for IgE was demonstrable already 1 day after boost we concluded that mice produce memory B cells not only for IgM, but also for IgE specific for the immunizing antigen.

Characterization of isogenic carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) lines with a genetically determined high or low antibody production.

Antibody production to dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet haemocyanin (DNP-KLH) served as the immune parameter to divergently select carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to produce high- and low-responder F1 hybrid lines. Antibody production to trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS) and to DNP-KLH were similar in magnitude. By contrast, some high-responder lines were low responders to DNP-human serum albumin, and vice versa. Low-responder carp were relatively susceptible to infection with the parasite Trypanoplasma borreli. This suggested that at least one gene with a major influence on resistance differed between the two homozygous parents (69, 85) used to generate the high- and low-responder homozygous families, respectively. The isogenic lines showed no within-line variation in DNA fingerprints, but differed with respect to their MhcCyca-DAB genes.

Purification of monospecific polyclonal antibodies from hyperimmune bovine whey using immunoaffinity chromatography.

Whey, a by-product of cheese production, is a potential source of proteins. Immunization of dairy cows in mid-lactation with mouse IgG and dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin resulted in the formation of antibodies to these antigens in both blood serum and milk. The antibodies remained in whey during cheese making, and were isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography on matrices with immobilized antigens. The isolated monospecific antibodies were pure and retained their reactivity to antigens.

Offspring of xenogeneically-reconstituted scid/scid mice are capable of a primary xenogeneic immune response to DNP-KLH

Human peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) reconstitution of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice has provided a small animal model system (hu-PBL-SCID) useful for the study of the human immune system and disease pathogenesis. Transfer of xenogeneic PBL from donors other than humans has also been successful; however, the controversy remains regarding the capability of xenogeneically engrafted lymphocytes to mount a primary immune response. Human cells have been identified in offspring from hu-PBL-SCID but were not evaluated for a primary immune response. In the present study, offspring of bovine PBL-reconstituted SCID mice (F1-PBL-SCID-bo) were assessed for specific immune function. Sera from all of the F1-PBL-SCID-bo contained relatively low levels of bovine IgG 5 weeks after birth but bovine Ig became undetectable by 14 or 18 weeks. Eight F1-PBL-SCID-bo (23 or 27 weeks of age) were immunized with a single dose of 100 μg dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH). Individual cells secreting bovine antibody were enumerated using the ELISA-plaque assay. One week after immunization, bovine cells secreting bovine immunoglobulin (IgG) specific for DNP-KLH were identified in the spleens from three of the F1-PBL-SCID-bo at a frequency of one antibody-secreting cell per 9 × 10 3 to 1 × 10 6 spleen cells. Thus, xenogeneic lymphocytes, passed from the mother to her offspring, retain the capacity for a primary immune response to DNP-KLH.