| Abstract: | The ability of F(ab′)2 antibody preparations to suppress an immune response is much less than that of intact 7S antibody. The activity possessed by F(ab′)2 preparations withstood repurification procedures, hence contamination with intact 7S antibody is unlikely. Daily or thrice daily injections of antibody did not make equal the suppressive activities of F(ab′)2 and intact antibody, indicating that rapid excretion of F(ab′)2 antibody is not the sole factor involved in the difference in immunosuppressive potency between intact 7S and F(ab′)2 antibody. Some possibilities for distinct differences in the mechanism of the immuno-suppressive action of F(ab′)2 and 7S antibodies are raised and discussed. |
