The Clonal Nature of Antibody Formation

[摘要] Experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that prospective antibody cell clones can synthesize antibody molecules of only one specificity. This was done with the aid of a cell transfer system as follows: hapten-specific precursor cells of F1-hybrid mice were stimulated with protein carriers bearing random copolymers O-acetyl-D-serine and D-alanine (ser-ala); antibody allotypes served as genetic markers in evaluating the clonal origins of antibodies which were specific for the homopolymer haptens, poly-ser or poly-ala. Our analysis of the results supported the conclusion that different and unrelated antibody precursor cells responded to poly-ser and poly-ala determinants. Apparently the antibody specificity of these precursor cells was genetically restricted before contact with antigen.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）