Chymopapain C: An Immunosuppressive Protease

[摘要] Chymopapain C suppresses the immune responses of mice to both thymus-dependent and independent antigens. We have demonstrated a clear-cut dose and time dependence for the action of this enzyme. When these conditions are optimum, the primary immune response to sheep red cells (SRBC) is completely inhibited when measured by direct plaque-forming cells (PFC), indirect plaque-forming cells, and rosette-forming cells (RFC) during a 10-day experimental period. Immunologic memory was altered in suppressed mice as indicated by quality, quantity, and temporal appearance of the PFC after second injection of antigen. Chymopapain C had a profound suppressive effect on the secondary IgM response when the enzyme was given 1 day before the booster SRBC injection; however, the IgG and RFC responses were not significantly suppressed.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）