Selective Inability of LPS-Activated B Lymphocytes to Produce Antibodies against Autologous and Allogeneic MHC Class I Antigens

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated B lymphocytes have been found to produce autoantibodies of a variety of specificities. We found that LPS-induced autoantibodies did not include antibodies against self H-2 class I antigens, suggesting a selective tolerance induction against some, but not other, autoantigens. However, LPS-activated B lymphocytes not only failed to produce antibodies against autologous H-2 class I antigens, but also against allogeneic H-2 class I antigens, suggesting a selective regulation of B cells to synthesize antibodies directed against autologous and allogeneic major histocompatibility complex antigens.