Feedback suppression of the immune response in vitro. II. IgVH-restricted antibody-dependent suppression.

Abstract

Feedback suppression of the primary humoral immune response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) in vitro was induced with cell-free supernate material derived from antigen- (SRBC) activated B [bone marrow-derived] (sIg [surface immunoglobulin]+) cells. This soluble product bears Ig determinants and binds to the eliciting antigen (SRBC). The activity of this antibody in suppressing anti-SRBC plaque-forming cell responses is restricted to spleen cell cultures containing B cells sharing VH [H chain variable region] genes with B cells producing the suppressive antibody. The anti-hapten (trinitrophenyl) response to derivatized SRBC is not affected by antigen-primed B cells or their products. These data were compatible with suppression being mediated by anti-antigen antibody, via blockade of different SRBC epitopes recognized by a limited set of B cell clones in each mouse strain, via triggering of an anti-idiotypic response, either antibody or suppressor T [thymus-derived] cell in nature, restricted to activity in cultures containing B cells sharing VH structures with the original antibody, or via interference by preformed antibody with T cell help directed at idiotype bearing B cells.