Neonatal susceptibility to MHV3 infection in mice. II. Role of natural effector marrow cells in transfer of resistance.

Protection of newborn mice against MHV3 infection requires the transfer of several cell populations originating from adult syngeneic donors: adherent spleen cells, T lymphocytes, and a third population present in the nonadherent spleen cell fraction, in peritoneal exudates, and in bone marrow cells (M cells). M cells were found to be sensitive to short-term incubation at 37 degrees C and to preincubation with anti-bone marrow antiserum, mitomycin C, puromycin, and aggregated Ig, the latter suggesting the presence of Fc receptors. They were resistant to silica particles but were sensitive to irradiation with x-rays as well as with 89Strontium. Nonadherent spleen cells, however, behaved differently from M cells toward x-irradiation since they were radio-resistant, suggesting that M cells are precursors that require further differentiation or division to participate in MHV3 resistance. Effector M cells responsible for MHV3 resistance display, therefore, some similarities with natural killing cells. They might belong to a group of effector cells operative in regulatory processes or anti-tumor surveillance but also may be defense mechanisms against infectious diseases.