Neutralization of diphtheria toxin in living cells by microinjection of antifragment A contained within resealed erythrocyte ghosts

Cell. 1978 Feb;13(2):227-32. doi: 10.1016/0092-8674(78)90191-5.

Abstract

When human erythrocytes suspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing lgG were first dialyzed against a hypotonic solution and then dialyzed against PBS, lgG molecules were entrapped within resealed erythrocyte ghosts. The concentration of lgG inside the ghosts was about 33% of its concentration in the dialysis bag. With the aid of HVJ (Sendai virus), ghosts containing rabbit lgG antibody against fragment A of diphtheria toxin were fused with toxin-sensitive FL cells. The fused FL recipients were found to be resistant to the action of diphtheria toxin. Clones derived from the resistant recipient cells, however, became sensitive to the toxin again. Antifragment A neutralized the enzymic activity of isolated fragment A in vitro, but did not protect FL cells or rabbit skin against the complete toxin.

MeSH terms

  • Antitoxins*
  • Cell Fusion
  • Cell Line
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Diphtheria Toxin / immunology*
  • Erythrocyte Membrane
  • Immunoglobulin G*
  • Microinjections
  • Neutralization Tests*

Substances

  • Antitoxins
  • Diphtheria Toxin
  • Immunoglobulin G