MHC-RESTRICTED ANTIBODY-RESPONSES TO TRICHURIS-MURIS EXCRETORY SECRETORY (E/S) ANTIGEN

Summary Two panels of H‐2 recombinant mice were used in a detailed serological study to analyse the role of H‐2‐linked genes in the control of the antibody response to excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens of Trichuris muris. An apparent H‐2q (1‐Aq) restriction on the early development of high levels of IgGl antibody to E/S antigen was revealed by ELISA. No such restriction was demonstrated for the specific IgG2a response patterns. Recognition of two high molecular weight antigens (90–95 kDa, 105–110 kDa) by IgG antibodies was also shown to be almost exclusively H‐2q restricted and may be related at least in part to the high antibody levels seen for H‐2q strains of mice. Immune serum from resistant (B10.BR × B10.G) Fl hybrid mice (H‐2qk) containing high levels of IgGl antibodies specific for T. muris E/S and IgG antibodies which recognized the 90–95 kDa and 105–110 kDa E/S antigens was effective in transferring protection to the non‐responsive B10.BR mouse strain as seen on day 35 post‐infection (p.i.). It is suggested that the IgG responses described for the generally very resistant H‐2q mouse strains may contribute to, but not be an absolute requirement for. protective immunity, antibody‐mediated damage facilitating a subsequent cellular attack in certain strains of mice. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved