Transfer of specific immunity with RNA
Sell, S.; Mendelsohn, J.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 102(5): 217-222
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 306237 Document Number: 126286
The term 'immune RNA' (iRNA), as presently used, does not refer to a characterized species of RNA but to phenol extracts of lymphocytes from immunized animals, which have the capacity to transfer a variety of immune products or activities. These include synthesis of specific antibody, development of specific cellular (delayed) hypersensitivity, and production of immunoglobulin allotypic or idiotypic specificities. Recent evidence that iRNA might be used as a specific therapeutic agent to induce immunity to tumors has stimulated an increased interest in this area of research. The purpose of this article is to review the current status of studies on iRNA.