Rapid restoration of B-cell function in XID mice by intravenous transfer of peritoneal cavity B cells

The primary method employed to correct immune deficiency is bone marrow transfer. Depending upon the exact nature of the immune deficiency, however, alternative cell sources may be used to provide a more rapid reconstitution of immune function. In this report, peritoneal cavity (PerC) B cells are shown to be effective in the rapid emendation of the B-cell defect exhibited by XID mice. Restoration of normal numbers of splenic IgM antibody-secreting cells (ASC) and serum IgM levels were observed 4 and 7 days, respectively, after the i.v. transfer of 3 x 10(6) PerC. This regimen also restored responsiveness to thymus-independent type 2 (TI-2) antigens in XID recipients. Transfer of 30 x 10(6) spleen (SP) cells restored these functions in XID recipients but at a considerably slower rate. The data indicate that introducing a small number of PerC B cells into systemic circulation results in the rapid restoration of serum IgM levels in unirradiated XID mice.