Anti-idiotype regulation of timothy grass pollen IgE antibody formation. I. In vivo induction of suppressor T cells.

Antibodies prepared against antigen B-specific T-helper factor (anti-THF) and antigen B-specific IgE (anti-IgEid) have been isolated and the anti-idiotypic properties of both antibodies were described previously. Both anti-idiotypic antibodies (anti-Id) were used to determine their influence in primary and secondary IgE responses. These studies demonstrated that both anti-Id specifically suppress timothy IgE responses, that the suppression lasts for at least 35 days, and that it is mediated by a Thy 1+ Lyt 1- 23+ T cell. Attempts to induce suppressor T cells with the F(ab)2 fragment of anti-THF at several concentrations (10-80 micrograms per day for 3 successive days) were unsuccessful. This suggests that the Fc portion may be important in presentation of anti-Id during the induction of suppressor T cells.