The effect of 2'deoxyguanosine on human lymphocyte responses. I. 2'deoxyguanosine enhances T lymphocyte responses.

Low concentrations (40 microM) of the purine nucleoside metabolite 2'deoxyguanosine (2'dGuo), were shown to enhance both phytohaemagglutinin- and concanavalin A-induced T cell transformation. Evidence is presented which indicates that this enhancement may be due to the inhibition of suppressor T cell function resulting in the promotion of T cell growth factor production. T cell responses were only inhibited at concentrations of 2'dGuo which were toxic to the lymphocytes.