SUPPRESSIN, A PEPTIDE THAT INDUCES SUPPRESSOR T-CELLS: IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND CLINICAL RESULTS

Abstract

We report at this time the identification and characterization of suppressin, a novel peptide that induces suppressor T-cells. Following calf thymus homogenization the peptide is isolated by ultrafiltration, (NH₄)₂SO₄ precipitation, and ion exchange and hydrophobic chromatography. The isolated peptide has a MW of approximately 2000, consists of 16-18 residues and is distinct from other previously described thymic hormones. Incubation of human thymocytes in suppressin causes expression of (OK)T8 antigen and histamine H2 receptors, lymphocyte phenotypes associated with suppressor T-cells. Functionally, the induced suppressor cells can suppress, in vitro, autologous lymphocyte response to PHA as well as both specific and non-specific antibody production. When administered in vivo, suppressin causes significant suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to both modified self-antigen and allo-antigen, improves the clinical course of experimental allergic encephalitis and adjuvant induced arthritis, and produces decreased antibody production in NZB/W mice. When suppressin was administered in a clinical trial to patients with suppressor T-cell deficiency, 11/13 demonstrated significant increase in suppressor T-cell number and function. This newly identified hormone will be useful in the understanding of thymic function and T-cell differentiation and offers the potential for therapeutic benefit in the treatment of autoimmune/hyperimmune diseases characterized by suppressor T-cell deficiency.

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