Reaction of macrophage disappearance as a method for the evaluation of cellular immunity in experimental plague.

Abstract

The reaction of macrophage disappearance (RMD) was found to develop one day after the immunization of experimental animals with the antigen FIA of Y. pestis and to persist for 21 days, correlating with a pronounced protective effect of the above antigen over this period. There were differences between white mice and guinea pigs in the intensity of the RMD, particularly when immunization was carried out using an FIA preparation without prolonged action. These differences are thought to reflect varying degrees of immunity elicited by FIA immunization. It is recommended that the RMD be used to quantify cellular immunity to Y. pestis.