Immune response to phi X 174 in man. 5. Primary and secondary antibody production in primary biliary cirrhosis.

In primary biliary cirrhosis, the primary immune response to the bacteriophage phi X 174 is normal but the secondary response is significantly reduced. The reduction is primarily of IgG antibody, while IgM is proportionately less affected. These changes may be the result of a reduction in helper T lymphocyte function and may contribute to the increase in the ratio of serum concentration of IgM to IgG.