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. 1974 Oct 1;140(4):904–920. doi: 10.1084/jem.140.4.904

ISOLATION OF ANTIGEN-BINDING CELLS FROM UNPRIMED MICE

Demonstration of Antibody-Forming Cell Precursor Activity and Correlation between Precursor and Secreted Antibody Avidities

Michael H Julius 1, Leonard A Herzenberg 1
PMCID: PMC2139630  PMID: 4139227

Abstract

Cells binding DNP groups conjugated to fluoresceinated mouse gamma globulin (FDNP-MGG) were isolated from spleens of unprimed mice using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). The isolated cells were specifically enriched at least 100-fold for anti-DNP precursor activity in an adoptive transfer assay as compared to unfractionated spleen. The fraction depleted of binding cells, although depleted of anti-DNP precursor activity, responded as well as unfractionated spleen when assayed for anticarrier (keyhole limpet hemocyanin [KLH]) precursor activity. High avidity binding cells were stained using low concentrations of FDNP-MGG. Medium and low avidity binding cells were stained using high concentrations of FDNP-MGG in the presence of free hapten which selectively blocked staining of the high avidity binding cells. Cells were supplemented with an excess of carrier-primed (KLH), nylon-purified splenic T cells and transferred to irradiated recipients. DNP-KLH was given at transfer and 5 days later. The anti-DNP plaque-forming cell (DNP-PFC) response and the avidities of the DNP-PFC in the irradiated recipients were measured by hapten inhibition of direct PFC plaque formation 12 days after transfer. At this time, very few indirect PFC were found. There was a positive correlation between the avidity of the DNP-binding cells and the avidity of the anti-DNP antibody secreted by their progeny. High avidity DNP-binding cells gave rise to predominantly high avidity anti-DNP-PFC. Medium and low avidity binding cells gave rise to medium and low avidity DNP-PFC.

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Selected References

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