Lack of a requirement for idiotype matching: T cells from mice which cannot produce idiotype support idiotype-positive antibody response.

A requirement for idiotype matching was reported such that carrier-primed T helper cells from mice, which are unable to produce an idiotype (idiotype-negative) because of genetic reasons or adult anti-idiotype or neonatal anti-mu antibody treatment, did not provide helper function for an idiotype-positive antibody response. We have analyzed the requirement for idiotype matching in the response to phosphorylcholine by using mice which are idiotype-negative because they were injected with anti-idiotype antibody shortly after birth. Carrier-primed T cells from such animals supported idiotype-positive responses when mixed with normal or primed B cell populations and challenged with appropriate antigen; these responses were quantitatively and qualitatively similar to those obtained with T cells from idiotype-positive animals. These results demonstrate no requirement for idiotype matching and suggest that the procedure used to establish an idiotype-negative T cell donor may be decisive in showing a requirement for idiotype matching.