In vitro model for natural tolerance to self-antigens. Inhibition of the development of surface-immunoglobulin-negative lymphocytes into T-dependent responsive B cells by antigen.

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Abstract
Neonatal and adult [mouse] splenic cell suspensions were labeled with fluorescein isothiocynate-anti-Ig [immunoglobulin] and fractionated into surface (s)-Ig positive and s-Ig-negative subpopulations by the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The subpopulations were then tested by splenic focus assay for frequency and tolerance susceptibility of clonable 2,4,-dinitrophenol (DNP) precursors. Adult and neonatal s-Ig-negative subsets contained clonable DNP-specific B[bone marrow-derived]-cell precursors. Because these precursors resulted in fewer clones secreting IgG, they appeared to be less mature than the s-Ig-positive precursors. In the absence of helper T [thymus-derived] cells, exposure of s-Ig-negative lymphocytes to tolerogen during the process in which they were acquiring surface receptors resulted in nearly total abrogation of potential DNP clones. This finding provides compelling evidence for clonal abortion.