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Elementary Stochastic Model for the Induction of Immunity and Tolerance

Nature volume 220, pages 608–611 (1968)Cite this article

Abstract

RECENT studies1–4 have shown that antibody production and tolerance to polypeptide antigens can be induced simultaneously. Furthermore, the dosage of antigen seems to determine which of these phenomena predominates. Tolerance can be induced by either small or large dosages of antigen. Challenge with an intermediate concentration of antigen results in the production of antibody. Various hypotheses, including different cellular mechanisms for the induction of immunity and tolerance3,5 and a means of concentrating antigen3, have been proposed to explain these findings. We discuss here a theoretical interpretation of these events which attributes the degree of tolerance or antibody formation to the statistical distribution of antigen molecules among the potentially reactive cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3050

    J. J. MARCHALONIS & V. X. GLEDHILL

Authors
  1. J. J. MARCHALONIS
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  2. V. X. GLEDHILL
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MARCHALONIS, J., GLEDHILL, V. Elementary Stochastic Model for the Induction of Immunity and Tolerance. Nature 220, 608–611 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1038/220608a0

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