[Immunosuppression mediated by antibodies (author's transl)]

Abstract

Until quite recently, it was generally believed that antibody-mediated immunosuppression is purely effected by virtue of covering up antigenic determinants in the periphery of the immune system, thus preventing any contact of the antigen with immunologically competent cells within the central parts of the immune system. But this conception was not able to give a plausible explanation of experimental data obtained during the last years. It was therefore repeatedly postulated that the passively administered 7S antibody may have a "central" effect, whereby both B- and T-cells were considered as target cells. The experimental data available are discussed in connection with the possible consequences for the administration of antibodies in man.