Interferon-induced inhibition of lymphocyte circulation: lack of effect on humoral immune responses to T-dependent or T-independent antigens.
We have previously demonstrated that interferon (IFN) transiently inhibits the number of recirculating thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL), while other researchers have demonstrated similar decreases in lymphocytes in peripheral blood. In the present study we examined whether or not this decreased lymphocyte recirculation contributes to IFN's suppressive effects on antibody formation. Immunizing at varying times during the period of maximal decrease in lymphocyte recirculation, there are no significant differences in the number of plaque-forming cells (PFC) or antibody titers generated to either a T-dependent antigen, sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) or a T-independent antigen, Type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SSS-III). These results suggest that: (i) the suppressive effects of IFN on antibody responses are not related to changes in lymphocyte recirculation and (ii) lymphocyte circulation is not required during the early phases of the humoral immune response to antigens.
Mann
E A
EA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
Taylor
C E
CE
Murasko
D M
DM
D000372:Agglutination Tests; D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects*; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000166:cytology
D000941:Antigens; D007370:Interferon Type I