The cytolytic T lymphocyte response to trinitrophenyl-modified syngeneic cells. II. Evidence for antigen-specific suppressor T cells.

The subcutaneous administration of trinitrophenyl (TNP)-coupled syngeneic cells 7 days before co-culture with TNP-coupled syngeneic stimulator cells results in increased cytolytic activity. This augmented cytotoxic response has been shown to be dependent, at least partially, on radioresistant "helper" T cells. In this paper we have demonstrated that TNBS-generated suppressor T cells that are capable of suppressing contact sensitivity can specifically suppress the augmented response seen after subcutaneous priming. The i.v. administration of TNP-coupled cells results in priming of the recipient; however, if cells from these animals are transferred to a second recipient, there is evidence of suppressor activity. Thus, the cytotoxic T lymphocyte response is controlled by the same type of complex interactions previously demonstrated for humoral and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses.