Defects in the Immune Response of NZC Mice

SummaryThe NZC strain of mouse is known to have a defect involving the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells. Attempts to test the immune system of this strain show a normal antibody response in vivo. However, in adoptive transfer systems, NZC cells were shown to be minimally responsive on transfer, although (Balb X NZB) F1 cells could respond in the NZC environment. In vitro studies of the response of NZC cells to SRBC, phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed all show reduced responses. Evidence is presented which suggests that there is a defect in the number of progenitor cells for the immune system, possibly involving only one component cell population.We are grateful to Dr. Malcolm Moore for valuable discussions in the course of this work, and to Mrs. D. Barr, and Misses G. Cousins and P. Bell for competent technical assistance.