Cooperation between human thymus-derived and bone marrow-derived lymphocytes in the antibody response to ragweed antigen E in vitro.
Human T lymphocytes from patients with ragweed hay fever, when exposed to ragweed antigen E (AgE) in vitro, produced an activity that, in the presence of antigen, induced B cells from AgE-sensitive donors to synthesize and secrete IgE and IgG antibodies to AgE. Anti-AgE specificity was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. B lymphocytes from ragweed-sensitive individuals exposed in vitro to AgE alone failed to transform or to secrete antibody to AgE. The T cells activity had no effect on B cells of individuals not sensitive to AgE. The results of this study suggest that the human reaginic antibody response requires T and B cell cooperation. The experimental approach used may be a useful model for the investigation of the antibody responses of allergic individuals.
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000939:Epitopes; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008954:Models, Biological; D011058:Pollen; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D000939:Epitopes; D007106:Immune Sera; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D004247:DNA