Stabilization and characterization of antigen-specific T suppressor inducer and T suppressor effector molecules

H-2 specific T suppressor inducer (Tsfi) and T suppressor effector (Tsfe) factors show a dose-dependent inhibition of one-way mixed lymphocyte responses (MLR) between CBA/J responder spleen cells and C57BL/6 mitomycin C-treated stimulator spleen cells. The hydrophobic proteins Tsfi and Tsfe purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and affinity methods were stabilized by the addition of Tris-saline pH 8 buffered octylglucopyranoside solution. The stabilized Tsfi and Tsfe fractions stored at 4 degrees C for 3-7 months retained a significant (> 72%) amount of their ability to inhibit MLR. Tsfi and Tsfe purified by salt precipitation and affinity methods were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and Western blots indicated that these molecules had T cell receptor (TcR) alpha chain, I-J, and IL-10 epitopes, but not TcR beta chain epitopes.