Findings from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research broaden understanding of immunology
2007 NOV 20 -- New investigation results, 'Supplementation with RD antigens enhances the protective efficacy of BCG in tuberculous mice,' are detailed in a study published in Clinical Immunology. "Different combinations of ESAT-6, CFP-10, CFP-21, MPT-64, encoded by RD1 and RD2 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were evaluated on the basis of antigenicity in PPD positive TB contacts and immunogenicity in C57BL/6J mice immunized with the combination of all four RD antigens. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells of TB contacts showed maximum recognition in response to the combination of ESAT-6+MPT-64 in terms of predominant lymphoproliferation, IFN-gamma levels and the number of responders," scientists in India report. "On the contrary, the combination of ESAT-6+CFP-21+MPT-64 was found to be most immunogenic based on both T-cell and antibody responses in immunized mice. Prophylactic potential of the selected combinations was assessed as supplementation vaccines to BCG against intravenous challenge with M. tuberculosis in mice," wrote M. Kalra and colleagues, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. The researchers concluded: "BCG supplementation with the selected combinations resulted in significantly greater protection as compared to BCG alone against experimental tuberculosis and thus appears to be a promising approach to enhance the protective efficacy of the existing vaccine." Kalra and colleagues published their study in Clinical Immunology (Supplementation with RD antigens enhances the protective efficacy of BCG in tuberculous mice. Clinical Immunology, 2007;125(2):173-83). For more information, contact M. Kalra, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Dept. of Biochemistry, Chandigarh-160012, India. Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical Immunology is: Academic Press Inc. Elsevier Science, 525 B St., Ste. 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA. Keywords: India, Clinical Immunology, Immunology. This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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