Relative affinity of anti-protein antibodies in New Zealand mice

New Zealand mice—NZB, NZW and NZB/W F1 hybrids—were immunized with human serum transferrin in saline. The number of responder animals, levels and relative affinity of the antibody produced to this antigen were determined. Distinct trends in those immunologic parameters were noted with strain, sex and age at immunization. The relative affinity of the antibodies produced by the strains was lower than that previously demonstrated for several other inbred mouse strains. These results are discussed with reference to the spontaneous soluble complex disease developed by the New Zealand mice.