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Functional heterogeneity among the T-derived lymphocytes of the mouse. III. Helper and suppressor T-cells activated by Concanavalin A. [Gamma Radiation, concanavalin A]

Journal Article · · Cell. Immunol.; (United States)
We have studied the properties of T-cells which when activated by concanavalin A (Con A) either suppress or help the in vitro humoral response of mouse spleen cells. Previously established criteria for the T-cell populations, T/sub 1/ and T/sub 2/ were applied. T/sub 1/ cells were defined by their short half-life (2-3 wk) after adult thymectomy (ATx) and their resistance to small doses of antithymocyte serum (ATS). T/sub 2/ cells were defined by their long half-life (approximately 15 wk) and their high sensitivity to ATS. T-cells which could be activated by Con A to help the response to the thymus-dependent antigen, sheep red blood cells, were found mainly in the T/sub 2/ subpopulation. T-cells which could be activated by Con A to suppress the response to the thymus-independent antigen, trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS), were found within both the T/sub 1/ and T/sub 2/ subpopulations. These results, our previous results, and those of others suggest that the T-cell responses to phytomitogens distinguish precursors committed to different functions, while the T/sub 1/ and T/sub 2/ classifications distinguish T-cells at different stages of maturation.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
OSTI ID:
7362351
Journal Information:
Cell. Immunol.; (United States), Journal Name: Cell. Immunol.; (United States) Vol. 18:1; ISSN CLIMB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English