The Clonal Selection Theory of Acquired Immunity

Drawing upon our knowledge of microbial genetics, Burnet has proposed a theory of antibody formation which offers an explanation for certain poorly understood immunologic phenomena (for example, the persistence of antibody for long periods in the absence of contact with the antigen, and the failure to form antibodies to self-antigens under normal conditions). According to Burnet's hypothesis, antibody-producing cells are a mobile population constantly undergoing physiological and mutational change. When mutation occurs, a new clone of cells capable of producing only one kind of antibody is created. It is assumed that all antibody is a consequence of such mutation. Contact by a clone with the antigenic determinant is stimulatory and may lead to a proliferative response with selective advantage to the clone. Under certain circumstances, as in embryonic life, contact by the clone with the antigen may lead to the death of the clone. As a result, antibodies against self cannot be produced unless a similar clone subsequently arises by mutation. This book is devoted to reviewing the information leading to and supporting this theory and to developing its corollaries. The author admits the theory will undoubtedly require revision. There is an extensive and stimulating discussion of its relation to such subjects as natural antibody, immunologic tolerance, homograft immunity, thyroiditis, collagen disease, sarcoid, agammaglobulinemia, leukemia, cancer, and the course of certain infectious diseases. It is a scholarly and well-written book which could be read profitably by anyone interested in cellular biology, immunology, or infectious disease.