Is the antibody response specific?

Introduction of heterologous immunoglobulin (Ig) or red blood cells into mice results in an increased production of Ig and immunogen-reactive antibody. Since the increase in both total Ig and specific antibody is similar, it is concluded that the antibody response is specific. This result, which contrasts with those of previous studies in which the production of large amounts of nonspecific Ig was reported, suggests that in vivo T-dependent B cell activation and differentiation to plasma cells requires the presence of immunogen and linked recognition.