Physicochemical characterization and pharmacologic modulation of the synthesis and/or secretion of histamine-induced suppressor factor (HSF).

It has been shown that histamine induced suppressor factor has the properties of a glycoprotein. Its synthesis and/or secretion can be modulated by inhibitors of protein synthesis, drugs that affect cytoskeletal function and agents that alter intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides. Studies are underway to further characterize HSF in terms of its isoelectric point, to purify HSF by generating large amounts of factor through a human T cell hybridoma, and to produce monoclonal antibodies against the factor that could be used for its further purification and perhaps the development of a radioimmunoassay. Much work remains regarding the mechanism of action of HSF on its target cell and the characterization of the binding protein and/or receptor.