Effect of Mycobacterium sp. wall and Avridine on the antibody response, IgG isotype profile and proliferative response induced by foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccination in cattle

Different immunomodulators have been previously tested in our laboratory as enhancers of the specific immune response to FMDV vaccines in a murine mod el [2-4]. Here, we present results of two of these immunomodulators, a wate r-soluble fraction of the cell wall of Mycobacterium sp. (WSF) and a synthe tic lipoamide, Avridine (AV), which were tested in bovines included in FMDV oil vaccines. Two different concentrations of inactivated viral antigen we re employed and the effect of different concentrations of the adjuvants wer e studied when added to the lower viral dose. It is shown that the inclusio n of these adjuvants in the higher concentration in vaccines formulated wit h low antigen concentration induced the same antibody levels as those induc ed by Vaccines containing twice the concentration of virus, and no adjuvant s, and as a commercial formulation which performed with 100% of protection in the potency test. The IgG isotypes profiles induced in these experimenta l Vaccines differed from those elicited by the commercial and control vacci nes. Both IgG1 and IgG2 were augmented by the experimental formulations. Th ese adjuvants, specially the WSF, also enhanced the cellular immune respons e against the FMDV in antigen driven proliferation assays, thus acting on a broad range of immune mechanisms. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.