The immunogenicity of heterologous protein entrapped in autologous erythrocytes was evaluated in a mouse system. Multiple intravenous administrations of an erythrocyte-entrapped bovine beta-glucuronidase preparation resulted in little, if any, immunological response to the entrapped protein or erythrocyte carrier. Erythrocyte entrapment also protected protein from circulating antibody elicited by prior subcutaneous sensitization with unentrapped enzyme in adjuvant. Thus erythrocyte entrapment may protect potentially immunogenic agents from immunological surveillance.
