Separation of suppressor and killer T cells by surgace phenotype
Beverley, P.C.; Woody, J.; Dunkley, M.; Feldmann, M.; McKenzie, I.
Nature 262(5568): 495-497
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-0836 PMID: 1085418 Document Number: 109257
Among thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes of the mouse, several functionally distinct subsets may be identified (for review, see ref. 1). Early studies have shown synergy in graft-versus-host reactions of different populations of lymphoid cells2, and in vitro studies have demonstrated interactions between cells from anti-lymphocyte serum-treated mice (T1 cells) and adult thymectomised mice (T2 cells)3. A similar synergy has been observed in the generation of T helper and T suppressor cells in vitro4. Clearer definition of the subsets of T cells interacting in the induction of immune responses has come from the use of allo-antisera recognising differentiation antigens on T cells. In particular, the use of antisera to the Ly series of antigens5 has enabled the separation of amplifying (MLR) cells from killer cells6. Similarly in the humoral response helper T cells can be distinguished from suppressor T cells7. In this report, we show that killer and suppressor T cells, both generated in vitro and carrying the Ly-2 and 3 antigens can also be separated using antisera to surface antigenic markers. We also present data suggesting that suppressor cells of similar phenotype may have an important function in vivo in the immune response.