NOCARDIA WATER-SOLUBLE MITOGEN AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE - COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF 2 ADJUVANTS AND B-CELL MITOGENS IN MICE

Abstract

The activity of Nocardia water-soluble mitogen (NWSM) and [Salmonella enteritidis] LPS were compared in several experimental systems, since both compounds are B[bone marrow-derived]-cell mitogens and polyclonal activators in vitro. NWSM, like LPS, also had a strong adjuvant activity in vivo if administered in saline with a strong antigen (heterologous red blood cells) or even with a weak immunogen such as .theta. alloantigen. In contrast to LPS, NWSM administered to mice failed to induce in vivo proliferation of lymphocytes, polyclonal activation and PFC [plaque-forming cells] against syngeneic bromelain-treated erythrocytes and thymocytes. Different mechanisms may be responsible for adjuvant activity of NWSM and LPS.