Immune function in fully allogeneic mouse bone marrow chimeras

Abstract

Stable, long-lived, immunologically functional H-2 allogeneic chimeras, free of graft vs host disease, were established by reconstituting irradiated CBA J (H-2 k) mice with C57BL 6 (H-2 b) bone marrow, previously depleted of Thy 1 + cells with monoclonal anti-Thy 1.2 (mc-α-Thy 1.2) serum and complement (C). All lymph node cells of these chimeras expressed the donor H-2 phenotype, while a small, significant number of cells expressing host H-2 determinants were detectable in the spleens of the chimeras throughout the period of investigation. Skin graft rejection pattern, MLC, and CML responses of chimeric mice were normal against third-party targets, but reflected complete tolerance against donor and host determinants. NK activity against tumor cell targets was also normal. The host-like pattern of chimeric ADCC response against chicken red blood cells suggested the persistent activity of host macrophages. In contrast to the reduced primary PFC response against SRBC, the vigorous secondary response of the chimeras suggested that haplotype restrictions are not absolutely binding when there is an opportunity for prior learning.