Differences in immune elimination in inbred mice. The role of low affinity antibody.

Abstract

The rate of elimination of soluble protein antigen injected intravenously differs in different inbred strains of mice previously immunized to the antigen. This difference is apparently related to the affinity of the antibody they produce. Animals producing high affinity antibody eliminate antigen more effectively than those producing low affinity antibody. Passive transfer of antibody shows that the difference of antigen elimination is a property of the antibody, rather than the cellular mechanisms involved. The immunopathological significance of these findings is discussed.