Production of a suppressor factor by human adherent cells treated with mycobacteria

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (MN) proliferation and lymphokine production induced by mitogen could be inhibited by heat killed whole mycobacteria. The inhibition was induced by a wide variety of mycobacteri but not by other Gram-positive or Gram-negative organisms or by latex particles. Proliferation and lymphokine production by adherent cell-depleted lymphocytes was not inhibited by these organisms. Adherent cells treated with mycobacteria had the ability to inhibit lymphocyte blastogenesis when co-cultured with the lymphocytes. the inhibitory effect of these adherent cells was due to the release of a heat stable, nondialyzable suppressor cells. These latter cells, which were T gamma cells, could inhibit the blastogenic ability of normal lymphocytes activated by mitogens. The results suggest that in situations of high mycobacterial load, adherent cells are activted to release a suppressor factor that will activate lymphocytes to become suppressor cells. This mechanism may explain the anergy associated with lepromatous leprosy or advanced tuberculosis.