Analysis of the Cellular Basis of Idiotype-Specific Suppression

Abstract

We have investigated the ability of B and T lymphocyte subclasses from donor mice that produce high levels of anti-Ar antibody but have been suppressed for one idiotypic component (CRI) to induce and maintain idiotypespecific suppression. Our studies indicate: 1) Memory B cells from such mice can preempt virgin CRI⁺ B cells present in the host from contributing to the anti-Ar response. 2) T cells can also adoptively transfer idiotypespecific suppression. 3) B and T cells do not act synergistically in this transfer of idiotype-specific suppression. 4) Extremely small numbers of Ly23 cells transfer suppression of idiotype and most probably represent true T_s cells. 5) Ly1 cells from hyperimmune idiotypically suppressed donors can induce idiotype-specific suppression. This latter result most likely reflects the induction of idiotype-specific suppressor cells in the host.