Inhibition of B-cell function by concanavalin-A-induced suppressor cells.

The in vitro immune response of normal spleen cells to the thymus-independent antigen dinitrophenylated levan (DNP-LE) was found to be inhibited by suppressor cells induced previously by concanavalin A (Con A) in vitro. At various suppressor to target cell ratios, the level of suppression observed was comparable to that seen in anti-sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) responses. Consequently, it is suggested that B cells constitute a direct target for Con-A-induced suppressor cell activity.