HUMAN B-CELL DIFFERENTIATION .2. SUPPRESSION BY T-CELLS OF T-DEPENDENT AND T-INDEPENDENT PLASMA-CELL MATURATION

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 122  (5) , 1842-1848
Abstract
In vitro human plasma cell generation induced by T[thymus-derived]-dependent (PWM [pokeweed mitogen]) and T-independent (NWSM [Nocardia water soluble mitogen]) mitogens was suppressed by peripheral blood lymphocytes preincubated with human aggregated Ig[immunoglobulin]G. T cells, but not B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocytes, were able to mediate the suppressive activity. Since aggregated (Fab)''2 fragments were unable to generate suppressor cells, the suppressor cell was probably a T lymphocyte bearing Fc.gamma. receptors. These cells appeared to be largely radiosensitive. In most cases the proliferative responses remained unchanged. Since NWSM-induced activation was not dependent on the presence of T cells, T cells may exert their suppressor function directly on B lymphocytes. Whether PWM-induced B cell differentiation is suppressed by the same mechanism or/and by inactivation of T helper lymphocytes remains under investigation.