The virulence-enhancing factor of mucins. 3. Further fractionation of hog gastric mucin; an additional factor in the adjuvant action

Abstract

The virulence-enhancing factor on further purification is predominantly peptide in nature, with a small residue of carbohydrate. The material is still heterogeneous by ultracentrifugal analysis. The insoluble residue separated from the virulence-enhancing fraction has an adjuvant action on the activity of the latter, in addition to that due to the viscosity of the original mucin. The same adjuvant action is shown by known adsorbents, viz., activated charcoal, kaolin, Fuller''s earth and talc. The activity of the specific virulence-enhancing factor is only fully manifested when in association with other non-specific physical factors.