Mixed lymphocyte reactivity in spleen cells from F-9 tumor-bearing mice: II. Functional cross-reactivity between F-9 cells and testicular cells

Previous serological analysis has revealed cross-reactive antigens on F-9 cells and mouse germ cells. Therefore, we investigated whether suppressor activity in spleen cells from F-9 tumor-bearing mice can be restimulated in vitro by adding F-9 cells or testicular cells to mixed lymphocyte cultures. We found equal potentiation of suppressor T-cell activity with F-9 cells and with syngeneic testicular cells; as shown by sensitivity to anti-Lyt 2.2 plus complement treatment. Suppressor activity of spleen cells from other tumor systems tested was not enhanced. The data suggest that the same or cross-reactive antigens on F-9 teratocarcinoma cells and testicular cells may have similar regulatory functions.