Adsorption on B cell hybridomas removes suppressor cells from spleen cells of neonatally tolerized mice.

Spleen cells from CBA mice neonatally tolerized to Dd MHC (major histocompatibility complex) determinants were adsorbed on monolayers of Dd-specific B cell hybridomas. Adsorption on 4 different Dd-specific hybridomas but not on a Kd-specific hybridoma removed suppressor cells and resulted in generation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) effector cells against the tolerogen. Responses of normal CBA CTL against Dd as well as anti-third party responses were not influenced by adsorption. Successful adsorption was also achieved on monolayers of fixed hybridoma cells. Monolayers of Dd-specific hybridomas specifically removed suppressor cells from CBA mice tolerant to Dd; they failed to adsorb suppressor cells from AKR mice tolerant to H-2b. Immunofluorescence analysis with antibodies specific for determinants on tolerizing cells showed the presence of donor-derived F1 cells on the monolayer. Under the experimental circumstances described suppressor cells are most likely removed by recognition of their MHC determinants by the monolayer population. These data suggest that neonatal tolerance is actively maintained by donor-derived suppressor cells.