Abstract
This work examines the hypothesis that B cells secreting polyreactive antibodies (antibodies capable of binding to more than one self or foreign antigen) are preferentially utilized during periods of generalized immune stimulation. Four conditions characterized by such stimulation were examined: chronic virus infection, mitogen treatment, autoimmune disease and neonatal repertoire development. In normal adult mice, polyreactive IgM secreting lymphocytes constituted 8-9% of the actively expressed repertoire. Under conditions of generalized immune activation, this frequency increased to 13-19% (p. < .01). Polyreactive IgG secreting B cells, which were present at frequencies of < 0.5% in normal adult mice, were found at freqeuncies of 6-10% in mice with autoimmune disease, chronic virus infection or following mitogen treatment (p. < .001). We postulate that polyreactive lymphocytes are preferentially activated when the immune system is confronted with stimuli inadequately controlled by antigen-specific responses.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
