Regulation of Human IgE Production by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Atopic Patients in Mice with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were transferred (i.p.) to severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. PBMC from atopic donors developed both IgE and IgG synthesis, while only IgG synthesis was developed by normal human PBMC. IgE synthesis by atopic PBMC was detected from 2 weeks after transfer and reached a maximum in 3-4 weeks and declined thereafter, while serum human IgG concentrations increased steadily at least for 8 weeks. Specific IgG antibodies (anti-house dust mite) were detected in the sera of SCID mice transferred with atopic PBMC, but were not boosted by the stimulation with mite antigen injected (i.e.) with aluminum hydroxide gel. Neither IgE nor IgG synthesis was detected in the sera of the nude mice transferred with atopic PBMC. Removal of CD4 + cells from the atopic PBMC resulted in the depletion of both IgE and IgG synthesis in SCID mice. Depletion of CD8+ cells from the atopic PBMC changed the pattern of IgE synthesis from transient to persistent, but little affected IgG synthesis in SCID mice.