Characterization of anti-double-stranded DNA antibody-forming cells in the NZB/W mouse spleen.

Characterization of anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA antibody-forming cells in the spleen of the NZB/W mouse was attempted. Anti-ds DNA antibody-forming cells formed antibodies in vitro without any antigenic stimulus. Depletion of T cells in the NZB/W spleen cells did not abolish but enriched the anti-ds DNA antibody-forming capacity. Anti-ds DNA antibody formation was not abolished by 1,000 R of irradiation which suggests that there was no mitotic process involved. An in vivo irradiation experiment using NZB/W mice indicated that persistent anti-ds DNA antibody formation is mediated by radio-resistant antibody-forming cells.