Production of a hybridoma T suppressor cell and suppressor factor

Two hybridoma T-cell lines were prepared by fusion of burro erythrocyte (BRBC)-specific T suppressor cells with the BW 5147 thymoma line. Culture supernatants from these T cell hybrids specifically suppressed the in vitro IgG antibody response to BRBC. Clones P₃E₈ and P₄B₁₀ were both removed via affinity columns bearing antibodies to BRBC and antibodies to I-J(k) subregion determinants. These results indicated that the hybridoma factors were I-J(k) determinant bearing and anti-idiotype determinant bearing. P₃E₈ supernatant was major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restricted, suppressing only H-2(k) haplotype spleen cells. Clone P₄B₁₀ supernatant was not MHC restricted, suppressing k, s, b, and d haplotype spleen cells. The properties of these two hybridoma factors would indicate they are derived from T(s)₂ cells.