Modulation of Membrane Associated Immunoglobulins of Cultured Human Lymphoid Cells by Specific Antibody

Modulation of membrane associated immunoglobulins by specific antibodies was studied on lymphoid cells of established suspension cultures derived from four normal individuals. Changes in κ and µ surface immunoglobulins were monitored by the mixed antiglobulin reaction. Exposure to anti-κ antiserum led to rapid disappearance of both κ and µ antigen; exposure to anti-µ antiserum resulted in complete loss of µ antigen, while κ antigens were unaffected or only partially affected. Restoration of κ and µ antigens occurred from 3 to 12 hr. Monovalent antibody was unable to modulate surface κ immunoglobulins. Modulation would not occur at low temperature or in the presence of sodium azide.