Specific receptors for dengue virus-induced suppressor cytokine on macrophages and lymphocytes

The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of receptors for the dengue virus-induced suppressor cytokine (SF) on mouse macrophages (Mphi), T and B lymphocytes. It was observed that 125I-SF bound to T and B cells to a variable degree through both high and low affinity receptors. The numbers of high affinity receptors on T and B cells were 35,000 and 16,000/cell respectively and those of low affinity receptors were 0.72 x 10(6) and 0.33 x 10(6)/cell respectively. The binding of 125I-SF was also shown by removal of the biological activity following adsorption on Mphi monolayers. The suppressor activity was inhibited by pretreatment of SF with anti-SF-antisera. The binding of 125I-SF to Mphi was saturable, reversible and dependent on pH, time and temperature. This shows the presence of a specific receptor for SF on mouse Mphi, T and B lymphocytes.