Cells involved in autologous rosette formation in mice. I. Two different subpopulations of thymocytes regulating autologous rosette formation.

In the studies on mouse thymocyte subpopulations--non-glass-adherent (NAL) cortisone-sensitive (HCS), and glass-adherent (GAL) cortisone-resistant (HCR) thymocytes the existence of precursors for helper and suppressor cells of the autologous rosette formation was demonstrated. A proline-rich polypeptide (PRP), an immunoregulator induced differentiation of helper and suppressor cells from NAL and GAL cells, respectively. These cells elevate or inhibit formation of autologous rosette by thymocyte subpopulations in vitro. Helper activity was abolished by treatment with monoclonal anti-Lyt 1,1 antibodies and suppressor activity was totally inhibited after treatment with monoclonal anti-Lyt 2,1 antibodies.