The induction of nonspecific T suppressor lymphocytes by prostaglandin E1

Suppressor cell activity is induced by the addition of prostaglandin E₁ to normal mouse spleen cells (NSC). When this population is added to fresh NSC, it suppresses the primary in vitro antibody response to DNP-LPS. This suppressor cell induction requires a brain-associated thy-1 antigen-bearing cell. No role for a nylon-wool-adherent cell could be demonstrated. Suppression occurs in the absence of T cells in the responding population. The addition of indomethacin to prevent endogenous synthesis of prostaglandins suggests that prostaglandininduced suppressor activity does not require further prostaglandin synthesis in the suppressor population but does require such synthesis in the responding population.