Downregulation of T cell responses by antibodies to the T cell receptor

We have derived a T cell clone that recognizes and responds to three different types of antigen: self + X (fowl gamma globulin + H-2d), allo-H-2p,b, and minor lymphocyte-stimulating (Mlsa,d) determinants. Anti-TcR mAb and their F(ab')2 and Fab fragments were tested for their capacity to block the response of this clone. When responses were assayed on day 4 or later, addition of KJ16 or F23.1 mAb caused a marked inhibition of the response to each of the three antigens recognized by the clone. Responses measured at earlier time points however were unaffected or enhanced. This finding suggested that the inhibitory effects of anti-TcR mAb that followed the phase of enhancement might have reflected downregulation of the cells rather than simple blockade of TcR. In support of this possibility it was found that addition of anti-TcR mAb caused marked inhibition of the response of the clone to IL-2, i.e., a response that is not known to involve the TcR.