Antigen-specific and nonspecific mediators of T cell/B cell cooperation. III. Characterization of the nonspecific mediator(s) from different sources

J Immunol. 1976 May;116(5):1379-84.

Abstract

T cell-containing lymphoid populations produce a nonantigen-specific mediator(s) (NSM) which can replace T cell helper function in vitro in the response of B cells to sheep red blood cells (SRBC), but not to the hapten-protein conjugate, trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin, (TNP-KLH). NSM produced under three conditions: 1) stimulation of KLH-primed cells with KLH; 2) allogeneic stimulation of normal spleen cells; and 3) stimulation of normal spleen cells with Con A (but not PHA) are indistinguishable on the basis of their biologic activity and m.w., estimated as 30 to 40,000 daltons by G-200 chromatography. Production of NSM is dependent on the presence of T cells. The action of NSM on B cells responding to SRBC in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol is unaffected by severe macrophage depletion. Extensive absorption of NSM with SRBC failed to remove its activity, confirming its nonantigen-specific nature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Epitopes*
  • Hemocyanins / immunology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Nitrobenzenes / immunology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Epitopes
  • Nitrobenzenes
  • Hemocyanins