Abstract

In view of our observation that anti-immunoglobulin antibody conjugated to high-molecular-weight dextran stimulates high levels of B-cell activation (Brunswick et al. J. Immunol . 1989, 143, 1239), we coupled T cell-dependent antigens to dextran. When mice were immunized, in the absence of adjuvant, with a BSA-dextran conjugate (BSA-dex), a persistent, high-titre anti-BSA IgG1 response was induced. Titres were dose-dependent and seen with as little as 10 I~g of conjugated protein. Anti-BSA titres were detected as early as day 7, usually peaked at about day 14 and persisted for at least 4 weeks. Anti-hapten antibodies were also elicited in mice that were immunized with haptenated BSA covalently bound to dextran, and secondary responses could be induced even after inoculation of the unconjugated protein. Covalent attachment of the protein to the polymer was necessary, and the response was specific, as coinjection of BSA-dex and an unrelated antigen, goat IgG, did not elicit detectable anti-goat antibodies. The immunogenic potential of these conjugates did not depend on the ability of the dextran carrier to induce antibody, inasmuch as they stimulated high levels of anti-protein antibody in mice unresponsive to dextran. A minimum size dextran polymer was required .for enhanced immunogenicity as conjugates of BSA with dextran of molecular mass 500 or 2000 kDa but not of 70 kDa gave detectable anti-BSA titres.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1994

Notes/Citation Information

© 1994 Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd

Funding Information

This work was supported in part by National Institutes of Health Grants R01 AI27465, R01 AI24273 and R01 AI21328 and Office of Naval Research and Development Contract Grants N0007593WR00025 and N0007593WR00024.

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