Use of an alkali-soluble water-soluble extract of Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast-phase cell walls and isoelectrically focused components in peripheral lymphocyte transformations.

An alkali-soluble water-soluble extract of Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast-phase cell walls was tested for its ability to elicit a response in lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of Blastomyces-infected guinea pigs. Sequential preparations of the antigen were reproducible and specific in the in vitro lymphocyte transformation assay. Cross-reactivity of the antigen was not evident in lymphocyte transformation assays on lymphocytes obtained from Histoplasma-infected guinea pigs or from animals sensitized with complete Freund adjuvant. Fractionation of the antigen was accomplished on an isoelectric-focusing column, using a sucrose density gradient support. Components were assayed for activity in skin testing and lymphocyte transformation. Comparison of column fractions to the whole antigen showed greater response to the whole antigen in in vivo and in vitro assays.