Production of interleukin-1 by mononuclear cells of newborns and their mothers.

The ability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from newborn infants, their mothers and healthy adults to produce interleukin 1 (IL-1) was examined. It was found that newborn and maternal mononuclear cells have a normal capacity to produce IL-1. In addition, a lower stimulatory activity of IL-1 production was found in maternal serum, suggesting another mechanism for the suppression of the maternal immune system during pregnancy. Furthermore, evidence is presented on the existence of sex-related blocking factors in the maternal serum which affect IL-1 production.