DEMONSTRATION OF PHOSPHORYLCHOLINE-SPECIFIC IGE B-CELLS IN CBA-N MICE

Abstract

CBA/N mice, which did not make anti-PC [phosphorylcholine] Ig[immunoglobulin]M or IgG antibody [Ab] against PC-conjugated T[thymus-derived]cell-dependent or T cell-independent antigens, produced IgE Ab to PC-determinant when they were immunized with PC-KLH [B cells bearing IgE receptors]. PC-specificity of IgE Ab produced in CBA/N mice was determined by inhibition of PCA [passive cutaneous anaphylaxis] reaction with free PC-hapten or C-polysaccharide or by reaginic activity absorption in the serum with C-polysaccharide. Presence of T15 idiotype on anti-PC IgE Ab produced in CBA/N .times. BALB/c F1 males showed that anti-PC IgE Ab in defective mice was PC-specific. PC-specific B.epsilon. [B cells bearing IgE receptors] cells may belong to a subpopulation distinct from PC-specific precursors for IgM and IgG responses.