Deficient production of anti-red cell autoantibodies by mice with an X-linked B lymphocyte defect

The production of anti-self red cell antibodies has been studied in mice bearing the CBA/N X-linked B lymphocyte defect and their phenotypically normal littermates. Defective mice produced anti-self red blood cell (RBC) antibodies at markedly reduced levels after multiple injections of rat RBC. They also failed to show significant numbers of plaque-forming cells against enzyme-treated isologous RBC. These findings are discussed in terms of the nature of the CBA/N defect and the acquisition of a complete specificity repertoire.