ABSTRACT
In a bid to characterize the antigens and immunization mechanisms which may be used to produce a protective response against L. donovani, role of lipid associated polysaccharide (LPS) antigen and whole antigen was evaluated. BALB/C mice were immunized with whole or LPS antigen in combination with one of three putative adjuvents (anti CD-2 antibody/FIA/0.85% Saline). LPS antigen emulsified in anti CD-2 antibody was found to induce significant antibodies in mice on day 28 against challenge with lethal dose of L. donovani. Immunoprophylactic properties of LPS and whole antigen was investigated on day 40 through cytokine elicitation (IL-2), MIF) in culture supernatants of spleen cells, but before that MHC-II expressed on macrophage was studied. The LPS antigen in combination with anti CD-2 antibody was found to be most immuno-reactive inducing higher MHC-II expression on macrophages which was associated with substantial rise in the level of MIF and IL-2. It coincided with decline in antibody titre in 100% mice immunized with LPS antigen while Leishmania injected as whole antigen failed to induce specific macrophage and T-cell response with all the above formulations. We surmise from our data that lipid associated polysaccharide antigen linked to anti CD-2 antibody has potential for eliciting protective immunity against Leishmania.
Subject(s)
Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Antibodies, Protozoan/biosynthesis , CD2 Antigens/immunology , Antigens, Protozoan/immunology , Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology , Immunity, Cellular/physiology , Immunization , Interleukin-2/metabolism , Leishmania donovani/immunology , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/immunology , Lipopolysaccharides/immunology , Macrophages/parasitology , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , T-Lymphocytes/physiologyABSTRACT
Alternative medicine encompasses ancient medical practices of Ayurveda, Unani, Tibbi, chiropractice, acupuncture and others alike. This part of medicine ignores mechanisms of drug action and relies on antique methods and natural remedies. It has no study of pathology, rather depends on philosophy. One must take note of ethno-botany in the evolution of ancient medicines. Ethnobotany reflects the use of drugs available in natural places. Use of natural plants as medicine by the animals is very interesting to observe. Some religious practices like namaz and yoga constitute body exercises and are encouraged in alternative medicine. Chiropractice is a manual mode of treating in painful conditions of back, ankle and knee. Acupuncture is an age old process and practised mainly in China for various ailments.