The adjuvant activity of a non-toxic, water-soluble glycopeptide present in large quantities in the culture filtrate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain DT.

Abstract

A water-soluble mycobacterial glycopeptide was obtained in large quantities from the culture supernatant fluid of M. tuberculosis strain DT. This glycopeptide was strongly adjuvant-active when injected, in a water-in-oil emulsion contianing ovalbumin, into guinea-pigs. In addition, it was devoid of cord factor toxicity in mice, polyarthritogenic activity in rats and cavity stimulating activity in rabbit lungs.