Genetic Restriction of Macrophage-Lymphocyte Interactions in Secondary Antibody Responses In Vitro

Abstract

The development of optimal antibody responses to T-cell-dependent antigens requires the participation of antigen-specific, thymus-derived helper cells (T cells), antigen-specific precursors of antibody-producing cells (B cells), and immunologically nonspecific macrophages (Mø) (reviewed by Pierce and Kapp 1976). Mø have the critical function of presenting antigen in a highly immunogenic form to T and B cells to initiate the antibody response (Unanue 1972; Pierce and Kapp 1976).