CD3-associated heterodimeric polypeptides on suppressor hybridomas define biologically active inhibitory cells.

We have investigated the relationship between CD3 expression and the suppressor T-cell function. We have isolated stable clonal cell lines of the F12.23 suppressor T-cell hybridoma that are either CD3+ or CD3-. These lines were subjected to functional assays including inhibition of in vivo hapten-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, in vitro hapten-specific interleukin 2 responses, as well as hapten-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte assays. In all assays, the functional suppressor phenotype absolutely correlated with CD3 surface expression. Furthermore, we have immunoprecipitated heterodimeric proteins that share molecular features with some receptor polypeptides previously described. CD3 polypeptides found on the surface of suppressor T cells are phosphorylated after phorbol ester stimulation. Collectively these studies unambiguously define the suppressive supernatant function as a product of CD3+ receptor-bearing T cells.