Effects of Dextran Sulfate 500 on Cell-Mediated Resistance to Infection with Listeria monocytogenes in Mice

Injection of dextran sulfate 500 caused loss of antibacterial resistance. Mice became more susceptible to an infection with Listeria monocytogenes and were unable to develop antilisterial immunity after both active and passive immunization with passively administered spleen cells from Listeria-immune donors. Indirect evidence suggests that the phagocytic component of cell-mediated resistance to bacterial infection is the site of attack of dextran sulfate.