Abstract
Human B cells will make anti-tetanus antibody in vitro in the presence of antigen and T cells. These T cells may be autologous, but allogeneic T lymphocytes function equally well provided they are first irradiated. The allogeneic cells provide help by a different route. Co-culture of allogeneic cells produces a degree of polyclonal activation of B cells and a much higher level of IgM anti-tetanus antibody than autologous cultures. Depletion of tetanus toxoid or alloantigen-reactive T cells by 3H-thymidine suicide indicates that in autologous cultures help for anti-tetanus toxoid antibody production is provided by antigen-reactive T cells while in allogeneic cultures antibody production is dependent on the presence of alloreactive T cells. The implications for assessing human T and B cell function are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 171-177 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Clinical and Experimental Immunology |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 1 |
State | Published - Jan 1 1981 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology