Inhibition of cellular immunity by products ofAspergillus fumigatus

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Abstract
A fraction, FB, from extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus which previously was found to display a high degree of cellular hypersensitivity in skin tests in sensitized guinea-pigs but a low ability to affect transformation of lymphocytes in vitro, was studied. This fraction was found to be capable of inhibiting lymphocyte transformation induced in vitro by tuberculin and by T and B cell mitogens. The inhibitory properties of FB on lymphocyte activation were heat labile, destroyed by proteolysis, and could be reversed by washing 24 h after addition. Antibody to FB did not reduce inhibition of lymphocyte transformation. Fluorescence labeling studies showed a uniform and non-capping distribution of FB on lymphocyte surfaces which resulted in exclusion of attachment of fluorescein-labeled Concanavalin A to the cell surface.