Modified lymphocyte response to mitogens induced by the lipopeptide fragment derived from Mycobacterium avium serovar-specific glycopeptidolipids.

ABSTRACT

The beta-elimination procedure was used to obtain two major fragments of Mycobacterium avium glycopeptidolipid antigens. The lipopeptide fragment, not the oligosaccharide, diminished the mitogen-induced blastogenic response of spleen cells at concentrations lower than those which affected viability. Electron microscopy revealed an internalization of lipopeptide and disruption of intracellular organization.