Regulation of the immune system by synthetic polynucleotides. VI. Amplification of the immune response in young and aging mice
Han, I.H.; Johnson, A.G.
Journal of Immunology 117(2): 423-427
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 985837 Document Number: 102077
Model systems for study of the action of adjuvants in immunodeficient states were developed in 10- to 14-day-old BALB/aj mice and aging BALB/aj mice (12 to 16 months). With sheep red blood cells as antigen polyadenylicpolyuridylic acid complexes (poly A:U) were found to be stimulatory in both the neonatal and aging mice. The effect of poly A:U was similar to that seen when 5 X 10(6) thymocytes from immunologically mature mice were given with antigen. Cell-free supernatant fluids induced by incubation of poly A:U with thymocytes likewise were capable of restoring the number of antibody-forming cells to normalcy in aging mice.