The T-dependent and T-independent humoral immune response in cobra venom treated mice

The humoral immune response to T-dependent antigens (SRBC, DNP5BSA, DNP50BSA, DNP-KLH) and T-independent antigens (SIII, Levan, DNP-SIII, DNP-Levan) was studied by hemolytic plaque assay in mice depleted of C3 by Cobra venom treatment. Suppression of the immune response in C3 depleted animals was not restricted only to T-dependent response and also the response to some T-dependent antigens (DNP50-BSA, DNP-KLH) was not suppressed under conditions of the experiment. Results are discussed in relation to postulated exclusive role of C3 in the induction of T-dependent immune response.