Human alpha-1-antichymotrypsin enhances primary antibody response in the mouse.

The effect of human alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (alpha-1-Achy) on antibody response was studied in mice. alpha-1-Achy increased the number of antisheep erythrocyte antibody-producing cells. The increase was dependent on the dose of alpha-1-Achy injected (from 0.25 to 1 mg par mouse). alpha-1-Achy was effective if injected 2 days before or simultaneously with sheep erythrocytes. Asialylated alpha-1-Achy also enhanced the antibody response in the same way as native alpha-1-Achy. When alpha-1-Achy was heated at 60 degrees C for 15 min, it appeared to maintain immunoenhancing activity. However, when treated at 70 degrees C for 15 min, an intermediate immunoenhancing activity was observed, and heating at 100 degrees C for 15 min resulted in loss of activity.