# PREPARATION OF BACTERIAL POLYSACCHARIDE IMMUNE GLOBULIN

> **NIH NIH R01** · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · 1990 · $179,188

## Abstract

Bacterial Polysaccharide Immune Globulin (BPIG) is prepared from
donors immunized with H. influenzae b(Hib) pneumococcal and
meningococcal vaccines.  With previous NIAID support, BPIG has
been prepared, characterized, and shown to be efficacious in
preventing bacteremic Hib infections in high risk Apache infants.
With separate funding from NIAID, a clinical trial to evaluate
efficacy against systemic pneumococcal infections is underway and
a demonstration project to introduce BPIG into general use to
prevent  HIB infections in Eskimo infants of the Yukon-Kuskokwim
Delta is scheduled to begin in May 1989.

The proposed studies are designed to improve further the methods
for preparing BPIG, to characterize more precisely the
anticapsular antibodies (Abs) in immunized adults and in BPIG,
and to develop better standardized assays for Hib, pneumococcal,
and meningococcal polysaccharide (Ps) Abs.  In order to maximize
the Ab response of plasma donors to Ps antigens, we will immunize
them with more immunogenic Ps-protein conjugate vaccines and
evaluate the quantity and quality of the IgG Ab produced.
Alternative and potentially inexpensive methods to enrich Ps Abs
will be explored by determining whether affinity chromatography
with oligosaccharides can be used to purify Hib Ab from the
globulin of unimmunized donors.

The pharmacology of BPIG containing higher concentrations of Ab
to Hib and to carrier proteins will be examined in high risk
groups.  Combination passive-active immunization regimens
utilizing BPIG and Hib and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines will
be examined.

Standardized ELISA assays for Ab to Hib, pneumococci and
meningococci will be developed and calibrated.  The activities of
Hib Ps Abs differing in IgG subclass, light chain composition,
and G2m(n) allotype will be examined in binding assays,
functional assays and in experimental infection.  The role of Ab
affinity and rheumatoid factors in altering Hib Ps Ab activities
in these assays will also be examined.

These closely interrelated studies will enhance our basic
understanding of the human Ab response to Ps and the functional
mechanisms underlying Ab binding to Ps.  In addition, they will
result in the development of improved methods for
immunoprophylaxis of encapsulated bacterial infections in high
risk groups.

Groups that might benefit from passive immunization include
American Indian and Alaskan Eskimo infants, children on cancer
chemotherapy with asplenia, sickle cell disease or B cell
immunodeficiencies, and secondary contacts of Hib or
meningococcal infections.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3127704
- **Project number:** 2R01AI018125-09
- **Recipient organization:** DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- **SAM.gov UEI:** DPMGH9MG1X67
- **Principal Investigator:** George R Siber
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1990
- **Award amount:** $179,188
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1981-08-01 → 1994-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3127704

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3127704, PREPARATION OF BACTERIAL POLYSACCHARIDE IMMUNE GLOBULIN (2R01AI018125-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3127704. Licensed CC0.

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