Regulatory function of Thy1-negative cells. I.--Evidence for cells without the Thy1-surface marker and without phagocytic properties, enhancing the IgM antibody response.
Dextran-activated Thy1-cells are effective in enhancing the IgM anti-body response of syngeneic and allogeneic spleen cells to an unrelated antigen. This regulatory activity is mediated through a soluble B-cell-enhancing factor (BEF) which is released by activated cells. Removal of macrophages by silica-treatment does not abolish the regulatory activity of remaining cells. BEF can be considered as an auxiliary factor which does not substitute for either T cells or macrophages in in vitro antibody production.
D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003911:Dextrans / Q000494:pharmacology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D010587:Phagocytosis; D012756:Sheep; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D003911:Dextrans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens