[Molecular and genetic approaches to the study of the regulation of the function of T-suppressor cells specific for histocompatibility molecule epitopes].

Using the model of T-suppression (Ts) induction by i/v injection of irradiated allogeneic splenocytes we were able to show that such specific Ts (1) have their own precursors and express unique membrane markers; that (2) the genetic restriction of Ts/responder interaction (interactional restriction) is based on the direct contact of an Ia molecule on Ts membrane and a putative syngeneic anti-Ia receptor, which appears on the membrane of responder lymphocyte after its activation by an allo-antigen; and that (3) the Ts receptors unlike that of other T-subsets recognize simple serologically defined determinants in the context of an MHC molecule. The practical application of the information of the Ts properties is discussed.