Gamma 1-antibodies in guinea-pigs infected with the cattle lungworm

Abstract

The parameters of a system for testing both actively acquired and passive immunity to the cattle lungworm in the guinea-pig are described. It was found that the passive transfer of guinea-pig immunoglobulins conferred a strong immunity. The globulins responsible for immunity were present in a serum fraction containing electrophoretically fast moving globulins and anaphylactic activity. Guinea-pigs were not protected by artificial immunization with adult worm homogenate even though precipitating and anaphylactic antibodies were produced. Artificial immunization may have failed because γ₁- and γ₂-antibodies were produced against irrelevant antigens or because blocking γ₂-antibody was produced in excess.