The expression of Ia antigenic determinants on macrophages required for the in vitro antibody response

A subpopulation of antigen-presenting macrophages required for an in vitro antibody response to burro erythrocytes was deleted by pretreating the splenic macrophages with anti-Ia serum and complement (C). The in vitro response of the macrophage depleted T-B cell population could not be restored by the addition of macrophages resistant to anti-Ia antibodies and C (Ia-). The response of Ia- macrophages and the macrophage-depleted T-B cells was only reconstituted by the addition of Ia+ macrophages. Macrophages pretreated with anti-Ia antibodies restricted to react with determinants of one I subregion could not support the in vitro antibody response when added to cultures whose macrophages were pretreated with anti-Ia serum and C specific for the I-J subregion. These results confirmed that Ia determinants of the I-A, the I-E, and the I-C subregions were all expressed on the I-J+ macrophage required for an in vitro antibody response.

Related Concept Videos

Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...