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Genetically‐restricted effector molecules released by human lymphocytes in response to early pregnancy factor
Author(s) -
Rolfe Barbara,
Quinn Kathryn,
Athanasas Stavrosia,
Cavanagh Alice,
Morton Halle
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1038/icb.1989.31
Subject(s) - effector , locus (genetics) , major histocompatibility complex , biology , adoptive cell transfer , human leukocyte antigen , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , antigen , t cell , immune system , gene
Summary The binding of early pregnancy factor (EPF) to lymphocytes stimulates the release of soluble effector molecules. Studies in mice have shown that it is these factors rather than EPF as such which are inhibitory in the T cell‐dependent reactions, the adoptive transfer of contact sensitivity and the rosette inhibition test. Two factors have been identified: mEPF‐S 1 (Mr ∼15 000) is major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐restricted while mEPF‐S 2 (Mr ∼55 000) is restricted to a locus (or loci) outside the MHC. In the present paper, evidence is presented which shows that EPF also induces the release of soluble mediators from human lymphocytes. With the rosette inhibition test two factors have been detected, both of similar size and genetic restriction to those described previously in the mouse. One factor, designated hEPF‐S 1 (Mr 14‐18 000), is human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)‐restricted and the other, hEPF‐S 2 (Mr 50‐60 000), appears to be restricted to a locus (or loci) outside the HLA complex.