Murine delayed type hypersensitivity is suppressed by Ascaris suum extract

ABSTRACT

We studied the suppressive effect of an Ascaris suum extract on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions to ovalbumin (OVA) and to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The ability of mice to develop DTH reactions to both antigens was suppressed when an immunizing dose of the antigen was given subcutaneously together with the Ascaris extract. Partial or complete suppression of the response to OVA was obtained by the use of 400 por 1000 microng of Ascaris extract, respectively. The response to BCG, on the other hand, was totally suppressed by 400 microng of extract