Immunosuppressive effect of a human serum ferroprotein of hepatic origin: alpha-2-HF-globulin]

alpha 2HF, a serum ferroprotein increased during some malignant diseases, displays a suppressive effect on in vitro antibody responses, whether T-independent or T-dependent. This effect is not related to the presence of iron, nor to the macroglobulin nature of the molecule. The immunosuppressive properties of alpha 2 HF might depend on its carbohydrate moeity.