Immune response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and oral Actinomyces viscosus antigens in Macaca arctoides.

The humoral and cell-mediated immune response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and antigens from a monkey oral strain of Actinomyces viscosus were investigated in Macaca arctoides. Prior to immunization no responses were detected. Immunization resulted in the production of antibodies to both antigen preparations, the development of a positive skin test and significant stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes using the in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis technique. Furthermore, these responses were continuously detectable for more than 1 year postimmunization with keyhole limpet hemocyanin and for up to 6 months postimmunization with A. viscosus antigens. The capability of developing immune responses in these animals, particularly to A. viscosus antigens, added further to their use as a model for the study of the role of the host immune response to these antigens in the pathogenesis of human periodontal disease.