[Immunogenic properties of the colloidal gold]. / Immunogennye svoistva kolloidnogo zolota.

ABSTRACT

We studied the capacity of colloidal gold for enhancing specific and nonspecific immune response in laboratory animals (rabbits, rats, and mice) immunized with antigens of various nature. The antibody titers obtained with colloidal gold as a carrier were higher as compared to the standard immunization techniques (free antigen or Freund's adjuvant). Application of colloidal gold increased nonspecific immune responses as well lysozyme concentration in the blood, activity of the complement system proteins, as well as phagocytic and bactericidal activities. The obtained antibodies were tested by immunodot assay using gold markers. Immunization of the animals with colloidal gold conjugates with haptens as well as complete antigens was shown to induce formation of highly active antibodies without using other antigens such as complete Freund's adjuvant. In addition, antigen quantities for animal immunization with colloidal gold was by one order of magnitude lower as compared to the complete Freund's adjuvant immunization. This fact can point to direct adjuvant activity of colloidal gold.