Experimental Erythrocyte Autoimmunity

Abstract

Mice injected with rat RBC [red blood cells] produce RBC autoantibodies and spleen cells that delay autoantibody production. Transfer of 5 .times. 106 blood leukocytes from mice producing autoantibodies to syngeneic recipients before injection of rat RBC, significantly delayed autoantibody production. These circulating suppressor cells were effective if transferred up to 3 wk before the 1st injection of rat RBC and were destroyed by 2000 rad of irradiation before transfer.