Persistence of immunogenicity of antigen after uptake by macrophages.
Peritoneal macrophages were cultured for several hours after uptake of (131)I-hemocyanin. The cells degraded most of the (131)I-labeled protein within 2-5 hr. Their ability to prime lymphocytes of syngeneic mice for a secondary immune challenge remained unchanged for long periods of time despite the loss of more than 90% of the original content of antigen. The persistence of immunogenicity was associated with a small percentage of antigen retained by the cell in a form which was protected from rapid breakdown and elimination.
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D001345:Autoradiography; D046508:Culture Techniques; D005260:Female; D006433:Hemocyanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007456:Iodine Isotopes; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011830:Radiation Effects; D012756:Sheep
D000941:Antigens; D007456:Iodine Isotopes; D006433:Hemocyanins