T-cell function in B-lymphocyte-deprived mice.

Previous work has identified selective defect(s) in T cells in mice deprived of B lymphocytes by the chronic administration of anti-IgM antibody. Experiments described in the present communication revealed that anti-IgM-treated mice do not possess T cells with surface Ia and FcR, and, unlike T cells from normal animals, they also fail to bind these molecules in vitro. Functional assays disclosed that an anti-suppressor pathway which relies on Ia+ donor and acceptor T cells is interrupted in these mice at both levels. These observations may provide an insight to explain the selective failure of some T cells when B lymphocytes have been deleted.