Inhibition of a primary DNA-synthesis response by trinitrobenzosulfonate (TNBS)-activated suppressor cells; characterization of the inhibitory cells.

Repeated intravenous injections of high doses of trinitrobenzosulfonate (TNBS) or dinitrobenzosulfonate (DNBS) activate suppressor cells which inhibit the in vivo activation of a primary DNA synthesis response against trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB) and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), respectively, almost completely and the delayed type hypersensitivity (DH) response only partially. When tested on the DNA-synthesis response, the suppressor cells show excellent specificity with little cross reactivity of TNBS (or DNBS) induced suppressor cells for DNCB- (or TNCB-) specific responses. TNBS- and DNBS-specific suppressor activity is found in spleen cells, mesenteric lymph nodes and peripheral lymph nodes.