Immunogenic properties of glycolipids of Nocardiopsis dassonvillei.

Two specific glycolipids identified as monomannosyl diglyceride (G1) and monoacylated glucose (G2), isolated from Nocardiopsis dassonvillei strains, were found to be biologically active. They elicited antibody response in rabbits when administered with some carrier components: lecithine, methylated bovine serum albumin (MBSA) and Freund incomplete adjuvant (FIA). Antibodies to the glycolipids were detected in antisera to G1 and in the sera against crude cell antigen of N. dassonvillei (N). The ability of the lipids to induceskin delayed hypersensitivity (SDH) as well as adjuvant and mitogenic effect were also studied. Generally glycolipid G1 seemed to be more active in antibody response whereas glycolipid G2 was a better stimulator of cellular response. Glycolipid G2 appeared to be distinct adjuvant and mitogenic factor.