Adoptive transfer of allotype-specific suppressor cells inhibits thymus- independent immunoglobulin production in syngeneic athymic mice

(SJL X BALB)F1 suppressed mice have, in their lymphoid tissues, a population of suppressor T cells directed specifically against a paternal gamma G2a allotype (Ig-1b). Spleen or lymph node cells from these mice were injected into syngeneic nude mice and the effect on thymus-independent synthesis of Ig-1b in the athymic recipients was determined. After the injection of suppressor cells, Ig-1b disappeared from the serum of the recipients in a time course similar to that seen in normal mice. These results indicate that suppression occurs in the absence of thymus-derived helper cells, and they suggest that Ig-1b- producing B cells are the target of allotype-suppressor cells.