Proteins secreted from Mycobacterium tuberculosis during growth are believed to be important for protective immunity against tuberculosis. We have investigated the growth of M. tuberculosis in an enriched liquid medium. The release of isocitrate dehydrogenase from the bacilli served as a marker of autolysis and was observed during the late logarithmic growth phase. The release of proteins during the culture period was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Three major groups of proteins, which differed markedly with respect to profile of release and location in intact bacilli, were defined. A short-term filtrate devoid of autolytic products was defined and found to be composed of 33 major components. Five proteins were identified by monoclonal antibodies. Pronounced superoxide dismutase activity was detected in the filtrate. The enzyme was purified and identified as a dominating component of short-term filtrate.
An infection model of human tuberculosis was established with C57BL/6J mice. The lymphocyte proliferative responses to antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis were investigated during the course of infection and compared with results obtained with a group of mice immunized with large amounts of killed bacteria. The two groups responded similarly to a number of mycobacterial antigens, but marked differences in responses against secreted antigens were found; only infected mice responded vigorously to these. The responding lymphocyte subpopulation was made up of L3T4+ T lymphocytes under restriction of the Ia molecule.
Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown increased frequency and severity of infections after intense, long-term exercise. This study examines whether an in vivo impairment of the cell-mediated immunity and antibody production can be demonstrated after intense, long-term exercise. Twenty-two male triathletes performed one-half an ironman (group A). Vaccinations with tetanus and diphtheritis toxoid and purified pneumococcal polysaccharide were given after the exercise. Furthermore, a skin test with seven different antigens was applied on the forearm. Antibody titers were measured before and 2 wk after the exercise. The skin test was read 48 h after the application. Eleven non-exercising triathletes (group B) and 22 moderately trained men (group C) were used as control groups. Group A revealed a significantly lower skin test response to the tetanus antigen than both groups B and C. In group A, a smaller cumulative response (sum of the diameters of indurations and number of positive skin test spots) was found than in both groups B and C. No differences in antibody titers were found among the three groups. Thus, the in vivo cell-mediated immunity was impaired in the first days after prolonged, high intensity exercise, whereas there was no impairment of the in vivo antibody production measured 2 wk after vaccination.
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