Rate of antigen catabolism and immunogenicity of [131-I]BGG in mice. I. Action of mycobacterial adjuvants.

Two series of experiments are described in which elimination of [(131)I]BGG is observed in CBA mice treated with mycobacterial adjuvants. Neither mycobacteria in oil nor Wax D in oil induced immune-type elimination in the first series where control mice catabolized the antigen relatively slowly (mean half-lives of 4.38 and 5.0 days). In a second series where control mice showed faster catabolism (mean half-lives 3.82 and 2.96 days) the adjuvants did induce immune elimination. It was found also that such adjuvants invariably accelerated the elimination rate in the pre-immune period of elimination. Porton White mice eliminated the antigen rapidly and even mice not given adjuvant frequently gave a secondary immune response on a further exposure to antigen. The results suggest that increases in the rate of antigen catabolism contribute to adjuvant activity in this model.