title: Concanavalin-induced suppressor cells: characterization on the basis of corticosteroid and radiation sensitivity.
abstract: Experiments were performed to examine whether the concanavalin A (Con A)- induced suppressor cells of several in vitro T- and B-lymphocyte functions constitute a functionally unique cell population. This study included simultaneous studies of three different assays of suppression of T- and B-lymphocyte functions. We found that Con-A-induced suppressor cells which inhibit the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and the pokeweed mitogen-induced, plaque-forming cell (PEC) response are radiation sensitive at doses greater than 1000 rad, but corticosteroid resistant, while those suppressing allogeneic cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) are both radiation and corticosteroid resistant. These studies indicate either that Con-A-induced suppressor cells include heterogeneous populations which are differentially sensitive to corticosteroids and radiation, or that functionally distinct suppressor mechanisms are variably sensitive to these agents.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D003208:Concanavalin A; D006854:Hydrocortisone