The preparation of specific antigen polymer complexes and the evaluation of its protective properties
There has been proposed a technology of preparation of protein-cellulose complexes, which represents a new type of cell-free (molecular) vaccines that can be used in the system of specific prevention of chronic infectious diseases of animals. The inactivated cellulose with protein molecules having a carboxyl groups can form esters. The catalyst for this process is chromium trichloride (CrCl<sub>3</sub>). However, the preparation of a suspension of cellulose from cotton wool as a matrix provides for the use of potent chemical compounds, also in this preparation has an insufficient ability to restore lost immune reactivity. There has been developed the technology of preparing of complex immunomodulator of microbial origin (KIM-M) of the components: complex antigens sonicated of BCG-culture incubated in formalin solution, and conjugated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The preparation has protective properties, the ability to restore an impaired immune responsiveness of the animals. It has been shown that the synthetic non-natural polyions and polycations stimulate the immune response as a result the strengthening the processes of cell migrations and T, B-cooperations, the substitution of helper function of T-cells, the activation of B-cells and inactivation of T-suppressors, thus the stimulating effect of PVP with molecular weight of 12,600 is most pronounced at a dose of 10-20 mg/kg weight of the animal. Previously, it was also found that the polyions and polycations, including PVP, together with immunostimulatory properties have a certain toxicity at introduction in vivo and negatively effect on the individual steps of immunogenesis. The dose of 10-20 mg/kg of weight can be toxic for young animals, which is accompanied by functional stress of the immune system. Considering this fact, there was made the addition in the technology of producing an immunomodulator: old matrix KIM-M is complemented PEG in a weight ratio of PVP to PEG - 4 : 1. The new form of the preparation most effectively restores the impaired immunological reactivity, eliminates secondary immunodeficiencies and has a pronounced protective properties, it is harmless to animals.