Immunomodulation by bacterial fractions.
The cells of Nocardia opaca are a source of potent immunostimulating substances, differing in solubility and in the presence or absence of peptidoglycan. Three classes of N. opaca fractions have been investigated: (1) NDCM (Nocardia delipidated cell mitogen), the starting fraction; (2) PG (peptidoglycan)-containing fractions: CW (cell walls), PG, and fractions containing soluble PG derivatives such as NWSM (Nocardia water soluble mitogen) and NSPD (Nocardia soluble peptidoglycan derivative); and (3) soluble fractions devoid of PG, such as NWSMP (NWSP-pellet) and CyI (cytoplasmic membrane). This report summarizes our results on the relationship between the structure of N. opaca fractions and their stimulatory activities on mouse, rabbit, germ-free piglet and human lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages. The studies of biological properties of these compounds are the result of an extensive collaborative effort of several teams.
Barot-Ciorbaru
R
R
C.N.R.S. URA 1116, Immunomodulateurs de Nocardiae, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France.
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D009615:Nocardia / Q000276:immunology*; D009930:Organic Chemicals
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D008934:Mitogens; C101327:Nocardia delipidated cell mitogen; D009930:Organic Chemicals