THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTIGENIC STRUCTURE AND THE REQUIREMENT FOR THYMUS-DERIVED CELLS IN THE IMMUNE RESPONSE

• DOI: 10.1084/jem.134.1.103
• Publication Date: 2004-06-23T23:23:31Z
• Authors: Marc Feldmann; Antony Basten
• Keywords: Flagellin; Heterologous

Certain antigens such as polymerized flagellin are capable of producing relatively normal antibody levels in thymectomized mice, whereas others, including heterologous erythrocytes require the presence T cells a helper capacity. The mechanism thymus-independent production was investigated by comparing primary IgM responses spleen from ATXBM, XBM, and mice to various physical forms flagellar Salmonella adelaide vitro. No reduction antibody-forming cell over wide dose range observed ATXBM cultures, although same did not respond an optimal sheep red cells. In contrast, when determinants were presented monomeric form or flagellin-coated donkey cells, highly significant difference between XBM controls. results suggested that requirement for is property specific antigenic determinants, but depends on mode presentation. validity this conclusion confirmed using another determinant (DNP) coupled either carrier, POL, thymus-dependent DRC. Spleen produced comparable AFC both DNP, cultures showed marked difference. anti-DNP response DNP-DRC greatly reduced compared controls, DNP-POL even after prolonged thoracic duct drainage donors pretreatment their with anti-theta-serum complement. data here imply role humoral immunity presentation antigen B manner initiate synthesis.