Specific suppression of immune responses.

The models we have discussed in detail demonstrate specific suppression of immune reactivity produced in normal adult animals by antibody and antigen. The mechanism of homeostasis of suppression in these models depends on continued exposure to antigen and on an active response by the host. The active response may include production of antibody directed against specific receptors as well as antibody directed against antigen. Thus, specific regulation of both antibody and cell mediated immunity to an antigen might be achieved by the use of only the biological agents of the response: antigen, antibody, and possibly antibody to receptors. The general implication is that these same biological agents are responsible for autoregulation of immune reactions occurring in nature. Presumably, these agents may be used to suppress or reverse immune responses for appropriate clinical objectives.