Study on B-memory generation by Tnp-Ficoll: induction but not expression is observed among various inbred mouse strains.

The primary and secondary responses to Tnp-Ficoll, a class 2 thymus-independent antigen, were assessed in various inbred strains of mice. The eventual implication of H-2 or IgH linked genes was searched for. Contrasting with our previous reports using Tnp-LPS, a class 1 thymus-independent antigen, no homologous memory-type response to Tnp-Ficoll and consequently no genetic control was observed. However Tnp-specific B-memory lymphocytes were induced in most strains since a heterologous challenge with Tnp-LPS evoked a typical memory type response characterized by an increased number of antibody-secreting cells and/or significant amount of anti-Tnp antibodies of the IgG isotype. The lack of memory revelation by Tnp-Ficoll is discussed in terms of a possible humoral or cellular regulation and of B-memory cell generation and maturation.