Correlation between stable E-rosette formation and induction of alloantigen specific MLR suppressor cells in human mixed lymphocyte culture.

The induction kinetics of human suppressor cells in unidirectional mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and the E-receptor of the suppressor cells were studied. Suppressor cell function was measured by the degree of suppression of mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). MLR suppressor cells appeared 3 days after priming MLC was started, and maintained the same suppressive effect until the 11th day. These suppressor cells were allo-antigen specific and resistant to x-irradiation up to 1000 rad, but susceptible to 1500 rad or to mitomycin C treatment. MLR suppressor cells which were obtained from priming MLC after 3 to 8 days formed rosettes with sheep erythrocytes at 37 degrees C.