Impairment of cell-mediated immune responses by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

A lyophilizate from Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits markedly the tuberculin reaction in guinea-pigs. This property is shared with products of other Gramnegative bacteria. The latter display, however, no clear cut effect on the homograft reaction. In contrast, Pseudomonas prolonged skin homograft survival in mice. The effect was dose-dependent. Quantitative considerations suggest that Pseudomonas produces an immunosuppressive substance of outstanding activity.