Presentation by peritoneal macrophages: modulation by antibody-antigen complexes.

The effects of immune complex formation on presentation was studied. Immune complexes between an IgG2a monoclonal anti-DNP antibody and TNP-KLH were produced, and the presentation of the carrier molecule by peritoneal macrophages to KLH-primed T cells was monitored. Complex formation was found to enhance the proliferative response of the T cells. This enhancement was specific, was not mediated by lymphokine release, and required antibody with an intact Fc portion. The significance of these results in terms of immune regulation and antigen presentation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]