Characterization of Antibodies Specific for Polyglycerophosphate

[摘要] The immunoglobulin classes of antibodies specific for polyglycerophosphate (PGP) in human, guinea pig, rabbit and rat sera detected by passive hemagglutination of antigen-coated erythrocytes were characterized by column chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, 2-mercaptoethanol sensitivity, and precipitation with monospecific antisera. All serum samples from normal (uninjected) humans and guinea pigs had anti-PGP antibodies in both the IgM and IgG classes. Normal rats were divided between those with antibodies in both classes and those with antibodies in the IgM class only. All normal rabbits had antibody in the IgM class only and produced antibody in both IgM and IgG only after injection (i.p.) of antigen. It is suggested that the results in rabbits may be due to presentation of antigen to different immunocompetent cell populations or an involvement of antigen-specific T cells in the production of the IgG antibody. All guinea pig IgG anti-PGP antibodies, whether from normal or antigen-injected animals, were restricted to the IgG1 subclass. Guinea pigs injected with certain other antigens produced antibodies in both subclasses. A hypothesis is presented to account for this difference.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）