Allogeneic leukocyte and germ cell-induced murine immunodeficiency

Immune deficiency, as defined by significant decreases in lymphocyte Con A and allo-reactivity and in natural killer (NK) function, was induced in normal adult mice by i.p. injections of combinations of allogeneic testicular germ cells and splenic leukocytes over 3 wk. This immune deficiency was evident at 8 wk after initial injection, and profound by 12 wk. Neither leukocytes nor testicular cells, given alone, were able to induce similar immune deficiency. These findings suggest the possibility that allogeneic germ cells and leukocytes of semen, on repeated administration, may induce immune deficiency and may act as co-factors to viral agents in the development of clinical AIDS in humans.