CHEMOTAXIS FOR POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES INDUCED BY SOLUBLE ANTIGEN-ANTIBODY COMPLEXES

Abstract

Guinea-pig soluble immune complexes formed by simply mixing antibody [Ab] and antigen [Ag] in excess or by redissolving a washed immune precipitate with Ag, after incubation with fresh serum, could induce a migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro. This chemotactic effect of soluble complexes, although less than that of insoluble complexes, persisted despite experimental changes in the specificity, the dose and the class of antibodies. Soluble complexes of various molecular compositions induced chemotaxis but the most efficient complex was of Ab 1 Ag 1 formula. Unlike larger complexes, the Ab 1 Ag 1 complexes induced little or no complement fixation. Another source of chemotactic mediators was needed, apparently related to the esterases of the contact system of coagulation.