Idiotype suppression by maternal influence

Abstract

In BALB/c mice, antibodies to the α-(1–3) glucosidic linkage of some dex-trans (Dex) carry the idiotype of the BALB/c myeloma protein J558. Both specific antibody and idiotype are inherited in a dominant fashion, linked to the immunoglobulin (Ig) (heavy chain) allotype Igl^a of BALB/c mice (Eur. J. Immunol. 1975.5: 775). In F₁ hybrid mice from the parent strains SJL and BALB/c, we were able to suppress the expression of anti-Dex antibodies by immunizing prospective SJL mothers to the J558 idiotype. The state of suppression in the progeny was ascertained by immunization with Dex, and tests for the following were carried out: (a) antibodies specific for Dex; (b) inhibition of such antibodies (if present) by anti-idiotypic serum to protein J558; (c) presence of the J558 idiotype; and (d) concentration of λ₁ chains (which are associated with the 558 idiotype) in the serum. SJL mothers, once immunized, conferred suppression upon several successive litters, spanning a period of 4–5 months. Suppression in F₁ progeny animals lasted for 16 weeks or more. Spleen cells from suppressed F₁ mice which had neither been treated with Dex nor with J558 protein, were able to confer suppression to further F₁ newborn mice.