90 IMMUNO-CATALYSIS 



Stances, capable of producing a greater specific catalytic effect than can 

 be accounted for if they were to act independently. 



5. The Theory of Burnet, et ah of Antibody Formation 

 and Adaptive Enzyme Process 



A valuable contribution to immunology is the monograph, Pro- 

 duction of Antibodies, by Burnet, et al. (1941; Burnet and Fenner, 

 1950). Among other topics, the chapter on the "Theoretical Aspects of 

 Antibody Production" concerns us here most. Because of the war 

 conditions this publication was unknown to us, hence no reference 

 to this theory will be found in the 1st edition of Immuno-catalysis 

 which went to press in the summer of 1943. 



Burnet, et al. advance a theory of antibody production which, in 

 essence, is that antibodies are produced in a manner analogous to the 

 "production" of so-called "adaptive enzymes." The theory postulates 

 that antigen sfecifically ynodifies the 'proteinase producing a new 

 enzyme with the ability to synthesize an antibody specifically reactive 

 with the antigen. The basic tenets of this concept, as will be discussed 

 below, conflict with the experimental basis of the existing theories 

 dealing with the interrelationship of genes and enzymes, the changes a 

 cell may undergo as a result of mutations, and the chemical activities of 

 the cells as the seats of enzyme action, etc. Before we undertake an 

 analysis of these factors it is necessary that the salient points which 

 Burnet, et al. offer in support of their theory be presented. 



a. The Premises of the Theory of Burnet, et al. 



( 1 ) "Antibody is composed of globulin molecules which are pro- 

 duced by and liberated from, those cells of the reticulo- 

 endothelial system, which ingest the antigenic m^olecules or 

 particles. Particulate antigens introduced into the tissues are 

 largely dealt with by cells of the lymph nodes, while, if they 

 (the antigens) reach the blood stream, cells of the spleen, 

 liver and bone marrow are chiefly concerned. There is still 

 some doubt as to where bacterial antitoxins are produced. 

 From Buttle's experiments (1934) the cells of the bone mar- 

 row may represent the main source of antitoxin. 



(2) "A second or subsequent contact with the same antigen 



