[Relations between Ia antigens and the products of Ir genes. A theory of the evolution of the immune response]. / Relations entre antigènes Ia et produits des gènes Ir. Une théorie sur le déroulement de la réponse immunitaire.

ABSTRACT

To explain the relations between Ia and Ir, we propose the following hypothesis. It would exist an antigen specific factor released by T lymphocytes. This factor would be constituted by two parts a variable fragment forming the antigenic receptor of T cells and coded by Ir genes, a constant fragment transmitting an helper or suppressor signal and carrying Ia antigens. Ia antigens would allow a mutual recognition between macrophages, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes and a recognition by these cells of some mediators released during immune response. Ir genes products would allow the antigen recognition, if they correspond to the antigenic receptor of T lymphocytes.