Functional studies of T4+ lymphocyte subsets distinguished by the monoclonal antibody 5/9: suppressor-effector T4+ lymphocytes derive from the 5/9+ subset.
Human T lymphocytes bearing the cell surface antigen T4 are functionally heterogeneous, exerting helper/inducer, suppressor-inducer, suppressor-effector, and cytotoxic activities. Other cell surface antigens with a more restricted expression may help separate T4+ lymphocytes into functionally distinct subsets. This report describes the regulatory functions of T4+ lymphocytes fractionated by the monoclonal antibody 5/9, which detects a cell surface antigen present on 50-60% of T4+ lymphocytes. The results indicate that both 5/9+ and 5/9- T4 subsets contain helper/inducer and suppressor-inducer cells. Suppressor-effector activity, however, is found predominantly within the 5/9+ T4 subset. The 5/9 antibody thus identifies the suppressor-effector subset of T4+ lymphocytes, although it does not distinguish between T4+ cells with or without helper/inducer and suppressor-inducer functions.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens