Transforming growth factor beta as an immunosuppressive protein in human seminal plasma.
OBJECTIVE
Human seminal plasma is known to exhibit immunosuppressive activity in seminal plasma.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to characterize immunosuppressive proteins in seminal plasma.


METHODS
Gel filtration fractions of 100 to > 440 kDa were identified that inhibited DNA synthesis and killing activity of interleukin-2 stimulated lymphocytes.


RESULTS
The fractions exhibiting immunosuppression also inhibited DNA synthesis in a mink lung cell bioassay commonly used to measure the activity for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). The negative growth activity was diminished by a TGF-beta neutralizing monoclonal antibody. TGF-beta was further detected in the active fractions by Western immunoblot.


CONCLUSIONS
These results identified TGF-beta as an immunosuppressive protein in human seminal plasma and may provide insight into the role of immunosuppression played by seminal plasma, such as in reproduction and neoplasia.
Nocera
M
M
Department of Diagnostic Immunology Research and Biochemistry, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, New York State Department of Health, Buffalo 14263.
Chu
T M
TM
D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D015979:Killer Cells, Lymphokine-Activated / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008907:Mink; D029584:Prostatic Secretory Proteins; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D029584:Prostatic Secretory Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; C043076:beta-microseminoprotein