Antibodies

Abstract

It is generally admitted that in a given immunologic system the antibodies formed may be of many types but are substantially classified into two categories. The first comprises those called humoral or circulating antibodies, predominantly formed by plasmocytes; they may be detected by their ability to develop local or general anaphylaxis, to fix complement, to agglutinate antigen-coated red cells by immunoelectrophoresis, precipitation curves, and in vitro lysis of target cells (cytotoxic effect). The second, preferentially named cellular immunity, corresponds to the classical fixed or cell bound antibodies (delayed hypersensitivity); it is mediated by lymphocytes and the result is the final damage of tissue by a mechanism in direct contact with the effector cells. These antibodies are mainly tested by the delayed classical skin test, in vitro inhibition of macrophage migration and blastoid transformation of leukocytes. Therefore, in evaluating the reaction against any antigen, all antibodies belonging to these two types must be tested.