Inhibition of antibody production by ribonucleases

Abstract

The effect on immune responses of pancreatic ribonuclease complexed with other proteins has been studied in mice. The proteins were coupled with bisdiazobenzidine. It was found that an intravenous injection of a complex of bovine albumin and ribonuclease would inhibit the response to sheep cells or typhoid and paratyphoid vaccine (TAB) if given 10–20 hours before the antigen. Complexes of ribonuclease with human γ-globulin and ovalbumin also have similar effects. Polyribonuclease is present in all the preparations and has immunosuppressive activity. Evidence is presented that both polyribonuclease and the complex of ribonuclease with other proteins have immunosuppressive actions. A scheme of injections of ribonuclease complexes which will prevent antibody formation to rat red cells in mice is described.