# LEGIONNAIRE'S DISEASE:  CELL MEDIATED IMMUNITY

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · 1987 · $179,772

## Abstract

This application concerns the nature and mechanism of cell mediated
immunity (CMI) to Legionella pneumophila, the etiologic agent of
Legionnaire's disease.  We wish to further characterize CMI in comparison
to other aspects of immunity, such as humoral immunity, to L. pneumophila.
A model system has been developed in guinea pigs to study this important
opportunistic pathogen which produces pneumonia and other systemic
infections in humans.  Cutaneous hypersensitivity has been elicited in
guinea pigs approximately 4 weeks after immunization with 109 whole
Legionella organisms in complete Freund's adjuvant as well as following
infection with sublethal numbers of the bacteria.  Several in vitro
correlates of CMI have been measured to assess this parameter.  The
strongest lymphocyte blastogenic reactions occurred with guinea pigs
sensitized with Legionella in complete Freund's adjuvant.  Intact bacteria
and a soluble sonicate, as well as a purified cell wall antigen and
lipopolysaccharide, were capable of inhibiting migration of macrophages
from sensitized guinea pigs.  These studies interrelate with ongoing
investigations concerning ecology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of
Legionnaire's organism.  Although much is now known about these organisms
and especially epidemiology of infection, little is really known about
factors influencing resistance or protection of individuals from
infection.  The purpose of this study is to continue investigation in a
detailed manner in the guinea pig model using both high and low virulent L.
pneumophila and determine the nature and mechanism of lymphoid cells
responding to this organism.  Purified populations of lymphoid cells,
including T and B cells as well as macrophages, will be studied in order to
determine the cell type involved in in vitro parameters of cellular
immunity but also in protective immunity.  The role of other intermediary
factors, especially interleukins and interferons, are also being studied.
In particular, the nature of macrophage (cellular) responses to L.
pneumophila antigens, including whole cell vaccine, subcellular fractions
and antigen-rich derivatives, are being examined in detail.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126741
- **Project number:** 5R01AI016618-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NKAZLXLL7Z91
- **Principal Investigator:** HERMAN FRIEDMAN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $179,772
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1981-04-01 → 1988-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126741

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126741, LEGIONNAIRE'S DISEASE:  CELL MEDIATED IMMUNITY (5R01AI016618-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126741. Licensed CC0.

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