ISSN:
1365-3083
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
The humoral response against the bacterial polysaccharide antigen α(1→3) dextran (Dex) is controlled by J558 idiotype-(Id) specific T cells. These T cells of which the cell clone 178–4 Ts is a representative by all relevant criteria, recognize J558 Id-bearing B cells in an I-Ed-restricted manner. Costimulation via CD28/B7-1 but not via CD40/CD40L leads to T-cell activation. These T cells do not only suppress B cells producing the immunoglobulin (Ig)G3 isotype but also support the survival and clonal expansion of J558 Id positive B cells both in vivo and in vitro. This T-cell mediated dominance of the J558 idiotype limits the appearance of antibodies carrying other more diverse idiotypes which appear in immunized BALB/c nu/nu mice where no regulatory T cells occur. This T-cell mediated antibody invariance could be a strategy of the immune system responding to highly conserved antigens like polysaccharides, different from those against protein antigens, where diversity is assumed to be the basis for a successful response.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3083.2001.00864.x
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