Erythrocyte autoantibodies induced in mice immunized with rat erythrocytes.

Abstract

Antibody reacting against syngeneic erythrocytes (RBC) was elicited in several strains of mice by immunizing the mice with rat RBC. In nearly all mice sustained production of antibody reacting against syngeneic RBC required that the mice be continually stimulated with rat RBC. We suggest that this is further evidence that naturally-occurring immunological tolerance can be terminated temporarily by immunization with antigens cross-reacting with self. The results support the concept that clones of antibody-producing cells potentially reactive against self, exist in the normal mouse.