Rapid restoration of B-cell function in XID mice by intravenous transfer of peritoneal cavity B cells.

The primary method employed to correct immune deficiency is bone marrow transfer. Depending upon the exact nature of the immune deficiency, however, alternative cell sources may be used to provide a more rapid reconstitution of immune function. In this report, peritoneal cavity (PerC) B cells are shown to be effective in the rapid emendation of the B-cell defect exhibited by XID mice. Restoration of normal numbers of splenic IgM antibody-secreting cells (ASC) and serum IgM levels were observed 4 and 7 days, respectively, after the i.v. transfer of 3 x 10(6) PerC. This regimen also restored responsiveness to thymus-independent type 2 (TI-2) antigens in XID recipients. Transfer of 30 x 10(6) spleen (SP) cells restored these functions in XID recipients but at a considerably slower rate. The data indicate that introducing a small number of PerC B cells into systemic circulation results in the rapid restoration of serum IgM levels in unirradiated XID mice.