Activation of peripheral phagocytes in BCG-vaccinated subjects

The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the immune defence again st intracellular bacteria has long been neglected. Only recently have studi es begun to address this issue. In this study the behavior of peripheral PM Ns in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinated subjects was investigated. Twenty healthy and purified protein derivative-negative adults were studied before, and two and four months after, BCG administration. Luminol-amplifi ed chemiluminescence (CL) emission was evaluated in whole blood phagocytes using a soluble stimulus, such as phorbol mirystate acetate, or particulate s such as zymosan opsonized with homologous (OZH) or autologous (OZA) serum . Specific IgG, IgA and IgM against antigen -60 by ELISA, total immunoglobu lin, C3 and C4 components of complement, were assessed by immunochemical te sts. The results revealed a late heightened production of reactive oxygen i ntermediates in vaccinated subjects in presence of OZA and OZH. Our finding s confirm that the role of PMNs and their mediators in immunoregulation of intracellular diseases needs to be re-evaluated. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wi ley & Sons, Ltd.