Ligand-receptor relationships in immune regulation.

The relationship between ligand, idiotype-bearing ligand-binding T suppressor cells (Ts), and antiidiotypic Ts is discussed. The suppressor pathway involves the activation by ligand of first-order idiotypic Ts (Ts1) which elaborate idiotype-bearing T suppressor factors (TsF). TsF readily induced second-order antiidiotypic TS2 cells. The genetic restrictions imposed on the immune system once perturbed by antigen are evaluated.