IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE EFFECTS OF LYMPHOCYTE (TYPE-II) AND LEUKOCYTE (TYPE-I) INTERFERON ON PRIMARY ANTIBODY-RESPONSES INVIVO AND INVITRO

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 30  (2) , 299-304
Abstract
The hypothesis that type II interferon (IF), released by immune [mouse] lymphocytes after in vivo stimulation with tuberculin, has immunosuppressive effects was tested. Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) infected mice injected with tuberculin showed a very intense suppression of antibody response to sheep erythrocytes [SE]. Sera containing lymphocyte IF strongly inhibited primary immune responses to SE in cultures. Addition of macrophages could not counteract the in vitro immunosuppressive effects of lymphocyte IF, suggesting that the main effect is exerted directly on lymphocytes. Sendai virus-induced leukocyte (type I) IF also had suppressive effects in vivo and in vitro. Lymphocyte IF was much more immunosuppressive than a preparation of type I IF with equivalent antiviral potency. Type II IF, as a product of activated lymphocytes, may have a major immunoregulatory role.