Immune function in aged mice. V. Role of suppressor cells
Callard, R.E.; Fazekas de St Groth, B.; Basten, A.; McKenzie, I.F.
Journal of Immunology 124(1): 52-58
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 6153107 Document Number: 156146
Suppressor cells were identified in the lymphoid system of old CBA mice by means of an adoptive transfer system in which old cells were mixed with a corresponding number of cells from young syngeneic donors. Inhibition of the primary antibody response to DNP.cntdot.KLH , which led to the conclusion that the actual effector cell responsible was most likely to bear the phenotype Ly-1-,2+,Ia+. Suppressor cells were widely distributed, being found in the spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow. Induction of antigen- (HGG) specific suppressor cells was not impaired in old mice, which is in contrast to the loss of activity of most other lymphoid components of the immune system. Suppressor cells apparently play a role in loss of immune competence with age, but do not provide an explanation for the high incidence of autoimmunity in old animals.