This proposal has two main areas of investigation: 1) to examine B cell antigen presentation to T cells and 2) to characterize antigen processing by macrophages and B cells. Using functional studies, we will examine the ability of B cells to present antigenic determiants to T cells in a manner similar to macrophages. We will determine if B cell presentation of antigen to T cells is MHC restricted. In addition, we will test the ability of murine lymphoma cells and neonatal B cells to present antigen to T cells. Using functional, biochemical and immunochemical techniques we will study the physical and immunological characteristics of macrophage and B cell antigen processing. Characterization will include studies of antigen degradation and the involement of lysosomes in antigen processing. Using both intact macrophages and B cells and subcellular fractions of these cells we will study the characteristics of immunologically active processed antigen and its possible association with MHC gene products.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 81 publications