Epitope-specific regulation in Ir gene systems. I. Conditions for the induction of epitope-specific suppressors to poly(Glu⁶⁰Ala³⁰Tyr¹⁰)

Injection of responder mice with poly(Glu⁶⁰Ala³⁰Tyr¹⁰) (GAT) followed by immunization with GAT-methylated bovine serum albumin (GATMBSA) selectively suppresses anti-MBSA plaque-forming cell (PFC) and delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions. Conversely, MBSA injection followed by GATMBSA immunization suppresses anti-GAT PFC and DTH, while anti-MBSA responses remain intact. Suppression occurs for doses of antigen which are optimally immunogenic. The suppression is specific and does not act in a bystander fashion. These results demonstrate that epitope-specific regulation is reciprocal, is not limited to humoral responses, and is not imited to molecules of low molecular weight.