Time and dose studies of the effect of cobra venom factor on the in vivo immune response in Galleria mellonella to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The induced resistance of wax moth larvae vaccinated with formolized Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18 hr prior to challenge with the live organism was significantly inhibited by 0.2 to 1.0 units of cobra venom factor (CVF) per insect given 6 hr after vaccination. Approximately 90% inhibition of the protective response was caused by 1.0 units CVF/insect. Administration of this dose 6 hr before vaccination, with the vaccine, and 6 hr before challenge had no significant effect. The CVF effect was inhibited by heating the CVF preparation at 70 degrees for 30 min.