The immune response of mice to phiX174. The potentiation of B-cell immunity and the suppression of T-cell help by pertussis vaccine.

The primary and secondary responses to phiX174 have been studied in T cell-deprived (T- minus) and control CBA mice including sham-operated (T+) and normal mice. The effect of pertussis on the immune response of these mice has been measured. It is concluded that: (1) the gammaG and memory responses to phiX are produced in T- minus mice even though greatly reduced in comparison with T+ and normal mice; (2) pertussis appears to enhance the gammaG response in T- minus mice while suppressing it in T+ and normal mice.