The Effect of Mycobacterial RNA on the Primary Antibody Response of Mice to Bovine γ Globulin

[摘要] Mycobacterial RNA-protein preparations, obtained from viable cells of the attenuated H37Ra strain, will stimulate the production of antibody to bovine γ globulin in mice in a manner and intensity comparable to that of the synthetic polynucleotides poly A:U or poly I:C. In this respect, though, the mycobacterial RNA was less effective than Escherichia coli endotoxin or the double-stranded coliphage Mu-9 ds-RNA. The adjuvant activity of mycobacterial RNA was reduced by treatment with ribonuclease or with trypsin. The possible role of mycobacterial RNA in the adjuvant activity of intact mycobacterial cells is discussed.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）