IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE ALS .2. ANTIBODY TO IA ANTIGENS IN HETEROLOGOUS ANTI-LYMPHOCYTE SERUM

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 37  (1) , 179-186
Abstract
The relationship between Ia alloantigens and xenoantigens detected by immunosuppressive heterologous anti-lymphocyte sera [ALS] was investigated. Three rabbit anti-rat lymphocyte sera were examined for the presence of antibodies to Ia antigens. Two of these sera, an anti-thymus membrane and ALS, detected labeled cell-surface Ia antigens (MW 35,000 and 27,000) present on rat spleen B [bone marrow-derived] cells. The 3rd antiserum, prepared against fractionated soluble lymphocyte antigens, was essentially non-reactive with these antigens. Of these 3 heterologous antisera, the anti-membrane serum reacted with the same antigens detected by 2 alloantisera. Such an antiserum may modify a recipient animal''s immune response in vivo in a fashion identical to alloantibody to Ia antigens. All 3 heterlogous antisera, including 1 devoid of antibody to Ia proved immunosuppressive in vivo. Antibodies to antigens other than Ia can induce prolonged allograft survival. Since heterologous sera bind Ia antigens, it remains to be determined whether monospecific heterologous antisera to Ia antigens can allograft survival. More of than 1 antibody specificity may contribute to the immunosuppression achieved with ALS.