Genetic control of B- and T-lymphocyte abnormalities of NZB mice in crosses with B10.D2 mice.

Parenteral NZB and B10.D2, F1 and F1 x B10.D2 mice were studied to determine the genetic control of (1) altered B-cell IgD expression, (2) plasma cell frequency, (3) IgM secretion per plasma cell, (4) primary in vitro cytotoxic T-cell responses to H-2-compatible cells, (5) production of thymocyte-binding antibodies, and (6) production of red-cell-specific antibodies. The results demonstrate that, in this cross, IgD abnormalities and production of red-cell-specific antibodies were recessive traits. There was a common genetic influence on plasma cell frequency, IgM secretion per plasma cell and production of thymocyte-binding antibodies which was distinct from the genes governing the ability to generate a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response to H-2-compatible cells.