Role of complement in induction of the allergic response.

Abstract

ALTHOUGH there is substantial evidence for cell cooperation in the induction of various allergic responses, there are few data concerning the mechanisms of the cellular interactions1–4. I have investigated the idea that the C3 component of the complement system may participate in T–B cell cooperation. B cells, which bear a membrane receptor for fixed C35–8, fixed C3 itself9, and antigen–antibody complexes capable of fixing it9 are all detectable in lymph nodes, localized in and around the germinal centres, which are important sites both for the induction of antibody, especially IgG, production and the generation of memory cells10. The effect is reported here of in vivo C3 depletion produced by the C3 cleaving factor of cobra venom (CoF)11 on serum antibody responses and the survival of skin allografts in mice. Balb/c mice 7–9 weeks old, weighing 18–24 g and of the same age and sex in each experiment were used throughout.