Prior sc immunization of BALB/c mice with 1 mg isolated M component of MOPC-11 mouse myeloma resulted in significant relative immunity to subsequent sc or ip challenge with 10(4) living cells from the same plasmacytoma. However, challenges of 10(5) and 10(6) tumor cells overcame immune status engendered by preimmunization with M component. Despite evidence for the specificity of the immunity induced by one isolated M component as opposed to another, no clear cytotoxic antibody, cell-mediated tumor-cell lysis, or predominance of either humoral or cell-mediated immune mechanisms were demonstrated. These findings were compatible with a relatively slight tumor-specific antigenicity of M components expressed on tumor surfaces, compared with the tumor specificity of other tumor-related, cell-surface antigens.

The response to the second antigen of a sequence of two related antigens appears to consist of two qualitatively different antibody populations. Antibodies specific for the second antigen are of primary-response quality while the antibodies which cross-react with the first antigen are of secondary-response quality.

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