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Summary
Mice exhibit two immune responses to foreign cells: a natural, NK-like immunity and an active, antibody-driven response. The active response involves IgG and IgM antibodies, demonstrating primitive immunological features.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Innate Immunity
Background:
- Mice display distinct responses to allogeneic lymphocytes.
- These responses are studied using radiolabeled cells in vivo.
- Understanding these responses is crucial for transplantation research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the two major classes of immune response to allogeneic lymphocytes in mice.
- To investigate the mechanisms and immunological specificity of these responses.
- To explore potential evolutionary aspects of the immune system.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of 51Cr-labelled allogeneic lymph node cells into mice.
- Short-term in vivo assay to detect cellular localization and elimination.
- Analysis of natural and active immune responses, including antibody involvement.
Main Results:
- A natural immunity, similar to Natural Killer (NK) cell responses (thymic-independent, radioresistant) but with conventional specificity (K/D antigens), was observed in lymph nodes and spleen.
- An active immune response, induced by immunization or allografting, comprises IgG and IgM opsonins that direct lymphocytes to the liver and spleen, respectively.
- A serum-dependent cell-mediated elimination mechanism destroys cells in lymphoid organs, with evidence of high-dose paralysis in primary responses.
Conclusions:
- Mice possess both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms to handle allogeneic lymphocytes.
- The active immune response exhibits unique dose-time characteristics and suggests primitive immunological features.
- These findings offer insights into the evolution of the immune system and transplantation tolerance.