Search

The present study is an attempt to produce xenogeneic anti-idiotype antibodies (Id) against mouse anti-H2 antibodies. The purpose is to obtain such anti-Id antibodies with reactivity against both B and T cells in quantities which will allow thorough investigation of the biochemical nature of the T cell receptor for alloantigen. Data are presented from experiments performed with an antiserum 5936 which was obtained after immunization with C57B1/6 anti-CBA antibodies.

Immune guinea pig lymph node cells were fractionated on Ig anti-Ig or HSA anti-HSA affinity columns or on plastic surface in medium containing carbonyl iron. These techniques selectively removed B lymphocytes, K lymphocytes or adherent cells. The residual cells (Fc receptor-negative T lymphocytes) responded to soluble antigen in vitro in the same way or even better compared with nonfractionated cells. In addition, there was no indication that antigen-antibody complexes were superior to antigen in triggering lymph node cells or purified lymph code T lymphocytes into DNA synthesis. The results obtained suggested that memory T lymphocytes can be stimulated by antigen autonomously.

Lethally irradiated mice injected with syngeneic thymocytes and immunized with protein antigens develop specific helper T cells. If injected with semiallogeneic thymocytes, such mice generate H-2 antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells. Most spleen cells from these chimeric mice possess Fc receptors. The present results demonstrate that the development of Fc-receptor-bearing cells in thymocyte-injected irradiation chimeras seemingly is due to the physiological conditions in the mice rather than to the specific immunization. As a corollary, both helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells did not have Fc receptors, at least not in their effector state. Thus, Fc receptors on T cells would seem irrelevant to their immune function.