Characterization of a phenotypically distinct subpopulation of Leu-2+ cells that suppresses T cell proliferative responses.
Two new monoclonal antibodies (termed 2D2 and D12) have been used to identify and to analyze phenotypically distinct subpopulations of human T cells. The 2D2 antibody recognized an antigenic determinant closely related, if not identical, to that reactive with the anti-Leu-2 monoclonal antibody. The D12 antibody reacted with a variety of cell types, which included a subpopulation of Leu-2+ (2D2+) T cells. These antibodies were used to isolate four phenotypically distinct T cell populations by sequential cell sorter techniques. Functional analyses demonstrated that the 2D2+D12+ subset was unique in its ability to suppress the antigen-induced proliferation of T cells. These cells also suppressed the proliferative responses of other T cell subsets stimulated with mitogens. Pretreatment of 2D2+D12+ T cells with mitomycin C before culture abrogated the suppressor cell activity of these cells. We propose that the cells within the Leu-2+ cytotoxic/suppressor T cell subpopulation that suppress T cell proliferation are phenotypically distinct and express the 2D2+D12+ membrane antigenic phenotype.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002469:Cell Separation; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D010641:Phenotype; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D008934:Mitogens