The Effect of Active and Inactive Rheumatoid Factors on Tolerance to Human γ-Globulin in Swiss Mice

[摘要] Mice rendered tolerant to the major fraction of human γ-globulin (HGG) became responsive after inoculation with rheumatoid factor (RF). When RF was inactive it failed to terminate tolerance. Two possible mechanisms are discussed. First, RF blocks the remaining fragments of the antigen by an in vivo antigen-antibody interaction. Second, and more probable, the antigenicity of RF is potentiated by its capacity to form RF-HGG complexes following localization in the mesenchymal tissue of the mouse. Cross-reactivity between anti-RF and anti-7S gamma globulin is considered unlikely, because of the specificity of antibodies to the Fc piece of the IgG.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）