Antigenicity of Soluble Protein in the Presence of High Levels of Antibody : a Possible Mode of Action of the Antigen Adjuvants

Abstract

IN experiments carried out to elucidate the mode of action of depot-forming antigen adjuvants, such as alum and mineral oil, several attempts^1,2 to mimic a slow release mechanism have been made by injecting daily doses of the antigen alone. The antibody responses obtained have, however, been found to be inferior to those stimulated by a single dose of the antigen with adjuvant. In these tests the quantity of antigen injected daily was relatively large; the total quantity given over a short time being arranged to be at least equal to a normal single dose given with adjuvant.