A placenta-derived suppressor factor with a T-cell bias

Am J Reprod Immunol. 1999 Oct;42(4):205-18. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1999.tb00093.x.

Abstract

Problem: Functional and mechanistic aspects of immunosuppression by murine placental supernatants (MPS) were investigated.

Method of study: MPS and a low molecular weight fraction of the supernatant (MPSf) were tested for suppressive action on T-cell reactivity in vitro and in vivo, on B-cell responses and on T-cell activation events.

Results: MPS and MPSf suppress mitogen-induced proliferation and mixed lymphocyte reactions of human and murine lymphocytes, antigen-induced proliferation of T cells in vitro and in vivo, proliferation of CD8+ lymphocytes, proliferation induced by cross-linking of surface CD3 and the in vivo response of mice to allogeneic stimuli. MPSf affects cell cycling of activated T cells and blocks interleukin (IL)-2 production. MPSf does not affect antibody production or the induction of MHC class II expression on B cells.

Conclusions: MPSf is a potent inhibitor of T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo, with no demonstrable effect on B-cell function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD3 Complex / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Division / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-4 / pharmacology
  • K562 Cells
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Ovalbumin / pharmacology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Pregnancy Proteins / physiology*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic / isolation & purification
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • CD3 Complex
  • Interleukin-2
  • Pregnancy Proteins
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Ovalbumin