Differential localization of ferritin and ferritin immune complexes in the spleen: influence of the charge of ferritin.

Prior studies have demonstrated that following administration to animals most antigens (Ag) localize within the red pulp whereas immune complexes (IC) are found in the white pulp. Using ferritin and ferritin IC, we describe a striking different localization of the Ag alone compared with the same AG complexed with its antibody. In addition, cationization of native ferritin (pI 4.5) to cationized ferritin (pI 7) decreases significantly the splenic uptake of the Ag but has no effect on the uptake of the respective ferritin IC by the white pulp.