Suppressor cell clones specific for ultraviolet radiation-induced tumors: Function and surface proteins

Lymphocytes were cloned from animals bearing UV-induced skin tumors. These cells were 1-J⁺, CD4^-, CD8^-, and had become growth factor independent. Extracts, but not supernatants, of these clones suppressed primary immune reactions in vitro against UV-induced tumors, but not methylchol-anthrene-induced tumors. The cells therefore had the functional characteristics of afferent suppressor T cells directed against a common Ag on UV-induced tumors. Surface iodination of the clones revealed an extremely low level expression of molecules that might be TCR or related molecules.