Predominant Contribution of IgA Antibody-Forming Cells to an Immune Response Detected in Extraintestinal Lymphoid Tissues of Germ-free Mice Exposed to Antigen by the Oral Route

Abstract

Summary: Germ-free mice exposed to sheep RBC by the oral route displayed an immune response in extraintestinal lymphoid tissues. Such a response in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes was characterized by a high percentage of PFC of the IgA class, and is at variance with that found after parenteral immunization.