SUPPRESSION OF INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR EXPRESSION ON HOUSE CD4(-CELLS BY BOVINE KAPPA-CASEINOGLYCOPEPTIDE() T)

Bovine kappa-caseinoglycopeptide (residues 106-169, CGP) completely in hibited the PHA-induced proliferation of mouse splenocytes when CGP wa s added simultaneously with PHA. The inhibitory effect, however, was r educed to about one-half when CGP was added after 24 h of cultivating the splenocytes with PHA or when anti-IL-1ra antibody was added simult aneously with PHA and CGP. On the other hand, CGP bound to mouse CD4() T cells but not to CD8(+) T cells. CGP suppressed IL-2 receptor expr ession of the PHA-stimulated mouse CD4(+) T cells.