In vitro Lymphoproliferative Responses of Trichostrongylus colubriformis High and Low Responder Guinea Pigs to Worm Antigens (SPL3, SPA) and Ovalbumin

In vitro lymphocyte responses of high responder (HR) and low responder (LR) guinea pigs from pe- ripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to parasite antigens soluble protein third stage larvae (SPL3) and soluble protein adult stage ( SPA), non-parasite antigen ovalbumin (OVA) were examined. There was substantial differences between HR and LR guinea pigs in the rate of acquisition of responsiveness to these Ags as well as differences in responsiveness to Ags derived from third stage larvae (SPL3) and adult worms (SPA). Overall, the results suggest both stronger and more rapid acquisition of respon- siveness by HR animals and raise the possibility of the animals being able to preferentially respond to larval immunogen and thus acquire protective immunity more rapidly than LR.