Species differences in the structure and function of the immune system.

Why Are Some Proteins Allergens

The 4-1BB receptor (CDw137), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, has been shown to costimulate the activation of T cells. Here we show that anti–mouse 4-1BB monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibit thymus-dependent antibody production by B cells. Injection of anti–4-1BB mAbs into mice being immunized with cellular or soluble protein antigens induced long-term anergy of antigen-specific T cells. The immune response to the type II T cell–independent antigen trinintrophenol-conjugated Ficoll, however, was not suppressed. Inhibition of humoral immunity occurred only when anti–4-1BB mAb was given within 1 wk after immunization. Anti–4-1BB inhibition was observed in mice lacking functional CD8+ T cells, indicating that CD8+ T cells were not required for the induction of anergy. Analysis of the requirements for the anti–4-1BB–mediated inhibition of humoral immunity revealed that suppression could not be adoptively transferred with T cells from anti–4-1BB–treated mice. Transfer of BALB/c splenic T cells from sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-immunized and anti–4-1BB–treated mice together with normal BALB/c B cells into C.B-17 severe combined immunodeficient mice failed to generate an anti-SRBC response. However, B cells from the SRBC-immunized, anti–4-1BB–treated BALB/c mice, together with normal naive T cells, exhibited a normal humoral immune response against SRBC after transfer, demonstrating that SRBC-specific B cells were left unaffected by anti–4-1BB mAbs.

https://rupress.org/jem/article-pdf/190/10/1535/1122734/99-1401.pdf

Anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies abrogate T cell-dependent humoral immune responses in vivo through the induction of helper T cell anergy.

Evaluation of a 15-Day Screening Assay Using Intact Male Rats for Identifying Antiandrogens

This study describes the development and characterization of a binge drinking model in which a single dose of ethanol (EtOH) is administered by gavage to B6C3F1 mice. Blood EtOH levels were monitored over time after administration of EtOH at doses of 3.0-7.0 g/kg. Peak levels were in the range of 0.2-0.5%, and clearance was complete within 2-12 hr. Substantial increases in blood corticosterone levels were noted. Behavioral changes in EtOH-treated mice aged 8 weeks ranged from no effect (3-4 g/kg) to severe ataxia (6-7 g/kg). In mice aged 16 weeks, a dosage of 7 g/kg caused less of the righting reflex in some animals and severe ataxia in most of the others. Clinical chemistry results did not indicate biologically important changes in general physiological/homeostatic systems in EtOH-treated mice, but there were indications of minor liver damage at the 7 g/kg dosage. Thus, administration of EtOH to B6C3F1 mice by gavage produces behavioral changes, changes in blood EtOH levels, and probably glucocorticoid levels representative of at least some human binge drinkers. The model was used to evaluate the effects of binge drinking on antibody responses, and the results indicate the model will be useful for such studies.

Development and Characterization of a Binge Drinking Model in Mice for Evaluation of the Immunological Effects of Ethanol

Comparison of ELISA and Plaque-Forming Cell Assays for Measuring the Humoral Immune Response to SRBC in Rats and Mice Treated with Benzo[a]pyrene or Cyclophosphamide

Specific Antibody Responses to Subtilisin Carlsberg (Alcalase) in Mice: Development of an Intranasal Exposure Model

Use of the Mouse Intranasal Test (MINT) to Determine the Allergenic Potency of Detergent Enzymes: Comparison to the Guinea Pig Intratracheal (GPIT) Test

Specific IgE and IgG1 Responses to Subtilisin Carlsberg (Alcalase) in Mice: Development of an Intratracheal Exposure Model

Optimization and Validation of an ELISA to Measure Specific Guinea Pig IgG1 Antibody as an Alternative to the in Vivo Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis Assay

Thomas T. Kawabata

Papers

Comparison of ELISA and Plaque-Forming Cell Assays for Measuring the Humoral Immune Response to SRBC in Rats and Mice Treated with Benzo[a]pyrene or Cyclophosphamide

Specific Antibody Responses to Subtilisin Carlsberg (Alcalase) in Mice: Development of an Intranasal Exposure Model

Use of the Mouse Intranasal Test (MINT) to Determine the Allergenic Potency of Detergent Enzymes: Comparison to the Guinea Pig Intratracheal (GPIT) Test

Specific IgE and IgG1 Responses to Subtilisin Carlsberg (Alcalase) in Mice: Development of an Intratracheal Exposure Model

Optimization and Validation of an ELISA to Measure Specific Guinea Pig IgG1 Antibody as an Alternative to the in Vivo Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis Assay