Unusual "cytokine" activities of the random polymer (Glu60, Phe40) in murine immune systems.

When the random polymer (Glu, Phe)n was added to primary lymph node T cell cultures from mice immunized with (Glu, Lys, Ala) and other immunogens, significant inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation was noted. A similar addition of (Glu, Phe)n to murine T cell lines (Fathman) from the above reacting lymph nodes led to augmentation of maximal incorporation of [3H]thymidine. The importance of the antigen presenting cells in these phenomena and the possible role of IL-1 in these observations will be documented.