Regulation of the mixed leukocyte culture reaction by suppressor cells.

Regulation of the mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) reaction by suppressor cells raised and tested in MLC has been evaluated. The experiments described suggest that suppressors are distinct from cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), both in terms of conditions optimal for their activation, as well as through demonstration of efficient suppression in the total absence of cytotoxic activity. Suppressor cells inhibit the activation of the precursors of CTL, and may also prevent the production of the lymphokine blastogenic factor; they do not appear to interfere with the reaction of primed cells. It is suggested that suppressor cells may regulate the MLC reaction by preventing recruitment of fresh competent cells, and by limiting the duration of the reaction of cells already activated.