Hyperimmunization of non-human primates with BCG-CW and cultured human glioma-derived cells. Production of reactive antisera and absence of EAE induction.

The efficacy and non-toxicity of BCG-cell wall preparation (BCG-CW) + cultured human glioma-derived cells as immunogen in non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis) were investigated to determine the optimal conditions for immunization without induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). BCG-CW vaccines were prepared with non-irradiated and irradiated (10,000 rads) human glioma cells and used in a short-term hyperimmunization protocol; sera obtained from this regimen were compared to those obtained by long-term hyperimmunization of macaques with complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and glioma cells. Immunization with BCG-CW + either irradiated or non-irradiated human glioma cells produced a specific antibody response in non-human primates without clinical, macroscopic, or microscopic evidence of allergic encephalomyelitis.