Suppression of Immune-mediated Otitis Media by Mucosa Derived Lyt-1^-2⁺T suppressor Cells

Abstract

Antigen-antibody reaction or immune complex formation is one of the causative factors for otitis media with effusion (OME). We have reported suppression of immune mediated-OME by the transfer of mucosa derived regulatory lymphocytes in mice. In order to clarify the regulatory lymphocytes, mucosa derived regulatory lymphocytes were fractionated by treatment with monoclonal anti-Lyt1 or anti-Lyt2 antibodies. Mucosa derived lymphocytes were obtained from the spleen after oral administration of mice with ovalbumin. Transfer of remaining lymphocytes after treatment with anti-Lyt1 antibodies (these cells were assumed to be Lyt 1^-2⁺ cells) suppressed significantly the occurrence of immune mediated OME.
Findings of the present investigation suggest that T suppressor cells are regulatory T cells that suppress the occurrence of immune-mediated otitis media.