A non-self DNA-binding protein such as human polyomavirus large T antigen may render DNA immunogenic upon binding to nucleosomes when expressed in vivo. This is indicated by the strong correlation between antibodies to T antigen and antibodies to DNA or TBP and is consistent with a hapten-carrier model. This model implies cognate antigen-selective interaction of T antigen-specific T helper cells and DNA-specific B cells or B cells specific for other components of nucleosomes, consistent with the results of previous experiments.

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