Modulation of immune response. A possible role for murine salivary epidermal and nerve growth factors.

Both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were found to moderate the reactivity of mouse spleen cells in an in vitro model of immune response. Blastogenic response was suppressed by EGF and potentiated by NGF. Both proteins are present in mouse, but not human, saliva in quantities equal to or greater than those affecting blastogenic response in our assay. Immune response occurring in the mouse periodontium may be affected by the presence of these factors in the saliva.