Induction of resting B cells to DNA synthesis by soluble monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin.

A novel monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin is described which in soluble form is comparable to lipopolysaccharide in its ability to induce DNA synthesis in populations of resting B cells. It inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced B cell maturation to immunoglobulin secretion while not suppressing mitogen-induced proliferative responses. B cells from C3H/HeJ mice are stimulated as well as those from C3H/Tif mice demonstrating that the induction capacity of this monoclonal antibody does not involve functional lipopolysaccharide receptor molecules.