Selective inhibition of T suppressor-cell function by a monosaccharide

Abstract

Spontaneously-generated non-specific murine suppressor T cells could inhibit alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocyte generation in primary leukocyte cultures. Methyl-.alpha.-D-mannopyranoside [MM] inhibited this suppressor function. MM did not interfere with antigen recognition, differentiation and expansion of alloantigen-specific T cells, or the effector phase of their action. MM did not alter the suppressor-cell generation induction phase. Apparently MM competitively blocks the suppressor cell-cytotoxic cell interaction.