Interleukin induction of non-specific suppressor cells

We analysed the cellular and molecular signals involved in the induction of non-specific T suppressor (Ts) cells generated in mouse spleen cell suspensions after 3-4 days' culture in the absence of conventional antigen. Using an in vitro model of primary antibody response as a suppressor assay, we showed that purified T cells were unable to generate suppressive activity. This suppression was fully restored when T cells were cultured with macrophages. In this case, Ts-cell generation was markedly increased by the addition of indomethacin suggesting a negative effect of prostaglandins in this phenomenon. Macrophages could be replaced by semi-purified IL1 as well as by recombinant IL2. Thus, in conditions of severe macrophage depletion, IL1 and/or IL2 are fully capable of inducing Ts-cell generation.