Functionally diverse T cell populations interact to maintain homeostasis of the immune system. We found that human and mouse antigen-activated T cells with high expression of the lymphocyte surface marker CD52 suppressed other T cells. CD52^hiCD4⁺ T cells were distinct from CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells. Their suppression was mediated by soluble CD52 released by phospholipase C. Soluble CD52 bound to the inhibitory receptor Siglec-10 and impaired phosphorylation of the T cell receptor–associated kinases Lck and Zap70 and T cell activation. Humans with type 1 diabetes had a lower frequency and diminished function of CD52^hiCD4⁺ T cells responsive to the autoantigen GAD65. In diabetes-prone mice of the nonobese diabetic (NOD) strain, transfer of lymphocyte populations depleted of CD52^hi cells resulted in a substantially accelerated onset of diabetes. Our studies identify a ligand-receptor mechanism of T cell regulation that may protect humans and mice from autoimmune disease.