Autoimmune New Zealand mouse. Alterations in C3 receptors, complement-induced clumps and follicular adherence of immune complexes.

Lymphocytes with free complement receptors are markedly diminished in autoimmune mice, probably as a reflection of a receptor blockage by immune complexes. There is also a slight decrease in Fc receptor-bearing cells and an increase in complement-induced clumps. These alterations may be related to a lack of immune complex fixation onto germinal centres and also may play a part in possible defects in T-B-cell co-operation, follicular localization of immune complexes and immune response control in autoimmune mice.