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Concanavalin A-activated suppressor cells in normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|October 1, 1976
Summary
Preincubating human lymphocytes with Concanavalin A (Con A) for 24 hours induces a suppressive effect. These Con A-treated cells inhibit the response of untreated lymphocytes to various stimuli, including antigens and allogeneic cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human peripheral blood lymphocytes play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Concanavalin A (Con A) is a plant lectin known to stimulate lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Con A preincubation on lymphocyte function.
- To determine if Con A-treated lymphocytes exhibit immunosuppressive properties.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were preincubated for 24 hours with Concanavalin A (Con A).
- The response of untreated lymphocytes to soluble antigens, allogeneic cells, and Con A was measured in the presence of preincubated cells.
Main Results:
- Preincubation with Con A rendered lymphocytes suppressive.
- Untreated cells showed a diminished response when co-cultured with Con A-treated lymphocytes.
- This suppression was observed against responses to soluble antigens, allogeneic cells, and Con A itself.
Conclusions:
- Concanavalin A preincubation induces a potent suppressive state in human lymphocytes.
- These findings suggest a mechanism by which lymphocyte activation can lead to immune suppression.