Second symmetry in the BALB/c-C57BL/6 (B6) system, and anti-antiself antibodies in ageing B6 mice.

Using an ELISA assay and inhibition of antibody mediated cytotoxicity we found that there was a higher level of anti-antiself activity in B6 anti-BALB/c alloimmune mice than in BALB/c anti-B6 mice. In contrast, when an inhibition of cellular cytotoxicity assay was used to assay for the activity, similar levels of anti-antiself antibodies were seen in B6 anti-BALB/c and BALB/c anti-B6 sera. Anti-antiself antibodies in alloimmune sera are not absorbed by the cellular immunogen as readily as are anti-foreign antibodies. These results are interpreted in terms of anti-antiself antibodies being directed mainly against T cell receptors specific for self. Anti-antiself antibodies are found also in old B6 mice, that are also known to make autoantibodies.