Fig. 4.

MDA mimotope immunization induces MDA-specific Ab responses. (A, B) ELISA for the binding of plasma Abs of immunized mice to MDA-LDL, MAA-LDL, and P2. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with P2-BSA (n = 3) or BSA (n = 3) as described in Materials and Methods. Dilution curves of IgG1 and IgM binding to indicated antigens in pre- and postimmune plasma was determined by chemiluminescent ELISA. (A) Dilution curve of IgG1 binding. (B) Dilution curve of IgM binding. Values are given as relative light units (RLU) per 100 ms and represent the mean ± SEM of each group. (C) Immunohistochemical staining of human carotid endarterectomy specimens. Sections were stained with pooled preimmune (A) or postimmune plasma (B) of P2-BSA-immunized mice or with the MDA-LDL-specific mAb MDA2 (C). Positive staining is indicated by red color, and nuclei are counterstained with hematoxylin.