Three suppressor systems in human blood that modulate lymphoproliferation.

Three suppressor system of T lymphocyte proliferation found in normal blood were characterized. The adherent cell suppressor system (ACSS) is effected by a steroid and radioresistant monocyte that survives well in culture. The prostaglandin-related suppressor system (PgSS) is effected by a similar cell but is distinct from the ACSS in terms of magnitude of suppression, effective monocyte concentration, and carrageenan or indomethacin sensitivity. The induced suppressor system (ISS) is effected by a T lymphocyte that is partially radiosensitive and loses activity after 24 hr in culture. Although the ISS is unaffected by age, ACSS and PgSS activity is, overall, higher among elderly than among young adult subjects. Activation of these three suppressor systems does not require cell replication. They are not restricted by histocompatibility barriers.