Arthritogenicity of wax D from various mycobacteria related to oil vehicle composition and to the combination with poly I:C, cord factor and acetylated wax D.

Most of wax D (peptidoglycolipid) used here appeared to be ineffective for production of arthritis when given in a water-in-oil emulsion, while the same wax D in squalane was very effective for production of arthritis. Arlacel A as an emulsifier appeared to suppress the arthritogenicity of wax D in squalane, probably through some interaction with the arthritogenic portion of wax D. Poly 1:C seemed to remarkedly enhance the arthritogenicity of wax D, even in water-in-oil emulsion. Acetylated wax D and cord factor (trehalsoe-dimycolate) were much less effective than poly 1:C. Delayed skin hypersensitivity to PPD, peptidoglycan and poly 1:C was also remarkedly affected by oil composition. However, there was no correlation between these delayed hypersensitivities and development of arthritis.