Abstract
By using a hemagglutination-inhibition assay, certain lots of purified group A meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines were found to contain trace amounts of group C polysaccharide (0.032 to 0.128%). Young adult human volunteers inoculated with these vaccines showed a very poor group C serum anti-polysaccharide antibody response as determined by a radioactive antigen-binding assay. Two weeks later volunteers were given a 50-µg subcutaneous injection of purified group C polysaccharide. Serum specimens obtained 1 month later showed a significant suppression of group C antibody response in comparison with subjects who had initially received group A vaccines which were free of group C antigen. The observed hyporesponsiveness may represent an example of immunologic tolerance in man.
- Received February 14, 1975.
- Copyright, 1975, by The Williams & Wilkins Company
- Copyright © 1975 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.
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