Developmental aspects of T-suppressor cells induced by hapten-carrier conjugates.

Abstract

The capacity of newborn liver and of aging mouse spleen to give rise to suppressor cells interfering specifically with an anti-hapten antibody response was investigated. The experimental system to induce suppressor cells was used on sequential treatment with a hapten (DNP or NIP) coupled to two different carrier molecules (i.e., DNP-RSA and DNP-BGG, respectively). Suppressor cells developing under such conditions are Thy 1.2+, nylon wool effluent, PNA+, I-J+ cells. Newborn liver cells were found to be capable of differentiating into such suppressors. Aging mouse spleen cells did not manifest such specific suppression, yet they did interfere with the antibody response in a nonspecific manner.