Regulatory mechanisms in cytotoxic T lymphocyte development. II. Dissociation of in vitro cytotoxic T-lymphocyte and suppressor T-cell activities with L-ornithine

L-ornithine was found to differentially affect the induction of allospecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and suppressor T cells (Ts). At a concentration of 10 mM, ornithine inhibited the development of CTL in a mixed-leukocyte culture (MLC). This same population of cells suppressed the generation of CTL when irradiated and cocultured with fresh syngeneic lymphocytes and alloantigen. Suppression was mediated by Lyt-1-2+ cells and was antigen specific. Suppression was abrogated when IL-2 (10 U/ml) was added to the cocultures, but could not be reversed by increasing the antigen dose. Ornithine was not toxic to CTL precursors but rather arrested their development. Cells from MLC plus ornithine developed CTL activity within 2 days of transfer to secondary cultures in the absence of ornithine. Development of CTL effector cells (CTLe) was augmented by but did not require exogenous IL-2. Generation of CTLe from the MLC plus ornithine population was radiation sensitive and could be inhibited by reexposure to ornithine, even in the presence of IL-2. Thus, Lyt-1-2+ T cells allostimulated in vitro in MLC plus ornithine and lacking CTL activity convey radiation-resistant, antigen-specific suppression.     

Inhibition of T cell-mediated cytolysis by monoclonal antibodies directed against Lyt-2: heterogeneity of inhibition at the clonal level

The inhibitory effect of monoclonal anti-Lyt-2 antibodies on T cell-mediated cytolysis has been investigated at the clonal level. In agreement with previous reports from several laboratories, populations of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) generated in vitro in mixed leukocyte cultures (MLC) were reversibly inhibited by monoclonal anti-Lyt-2 antibodies in a dose-dependent fashion. However, when alloimmune peritoneal exudate lymphocytes (PEL) were used as a source of CTL, little or no inhibitory effect of anti-Lyt-2 antibodies on cytolysis was observed. A series of CTL clones derived from MLC or PEL populations was also tested for inhibition of cytolysis by anti-Lyt-2 antibodies. In agreement with results obtained at the population level, most MLC-derived clones (81%) were strongly inhibited by the reagent, whereas few PEL clones (15%) were inhibited. Several of these clones were expanded and maintained in culture without loss of their "inhibition phenotype." Flow cytofluorometric analysis using the same monoclonal anti-Lyt-2 antibodies further revealed that both inhibited and uninhibited clones expressed comparable amounts of Lyt-2 antigen. These results provide direct evidence that inhibition of CTL by anti-Lyt-2 antibodies is heterogeneous at the clonal level. The possibility that this heterogeneity may be related to avidity of antigen receptors is discussed.     

Role of accessory molecules in signal transduction of cytolytic T lymphocyte by anti-T cell receptor and anti-Ly-6.2C monoclonal antibodies

Accessory molecules present on the cell surface of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) play an important role in their activation. Antigen-specific recognition by CTL is inhibited by antibodies against Lyt-2, L3T4, or LFA-1 molecules. Presently it is not known whether these molecules function by binding a ligand such as class I or class II on the target cell or by delivering a signal that down-regulates T cell activation. In the present study we utilized anti-T cell antibodies including anti-T3 and anti-T cell receptor (alpha/beta) as well as an anti-Ly-6.2C monoclonal antibody to activate CTL clones to kill irrelevant targets or secrete BLT esterase. The redirected lysis assay system utilizes the fact that heteroconjugates between anti-T3, and anti-T cell receptor, or anti-Ly-6.2C and anti-trinitrophenyl can trigger CTL lysis of trinitrophenyl-coupled targets that did not express antigen. In this system anti-Lyt-2 antibodies as well as anti-LFA-1 antibodies inhibited triggering via T cell receptor-related molecules but not via the anti-Ly-6.2C heteroconjugate. In addition, the anti-Lyt-2 was shown to inhibit conjugate formation in the heteroaggregate assay system suggesting that the anti-Lyt-2 antibodies acted early in inhibiting CTL activity. Similar results were observed in a system in which the CTL clones were triggered to secrete a BLT-esterase-like activity in the absence of target cells. Anti-T3 coated on plastic was shown to activate BLT-esterase secretion. This secretion was inhibited by anti-Lyt-2 and anti-LFA-1. Thus, it would appear that both the Lyt-2 molecule and the LFA-1 molecule act as signal-transducing elements involved in CTL activation. In particular, the Lyt-2 molecule appears to preferentially function in receptor-mediated T cell activation.     

Characterization of anti-CD8-resistant cytolytic T lymphocytes induced by multivalent cross-linking of CD8 on precursor cells

The lytic activity of most CD8+ MHC class I allospecific CTL generated in vitro can be inhibited by anti-CD8 antibodies. Such inhibition has led to hypotheses that CD8/class I interactions normally contribute to the triggering of CTL with low or moderate avidity Ag-specific TCR by providing those CTL with auxiliary binding avidity. However, CD8 has also been proposed to play an active signaling role in T cell activation. We have recently reported that multivalent cross-linking of CD8 on CTL precursors in MLC does appear to mediate activation signals, and induces the generation of CD8+ MHC class I allospecific CTL whose lytic activity cannot be blocked by anti-CD8 antibodies. In our present study, we have further characterized such anti-CD8 uninhibitable effector cells. These CTL are resistant to blocking of their lytic function by anti-Lyt-3 mAb as well as anti-Lyt-2 mAb, but remain sensitive to blocking by anti-LFA-1 mAb, indicating that they do use non-CD8 cell adhesion molecules during target cell recognition and lysis. As a consequence of mAb-induced multivalent CD8 cross-linking during their generation, anti-CD8 uninhibitable CTL significantly reduce their cell surface expression of CD8, which permits their identification and facilitates their purification from heterogeneous MLC populations. Such anti-CD8 uninhibitable effector cells can be maintained as stable CTL lines, in the absence of anti-CD8 mAb after the initial induction period. The in vitro generation of anti-CD8 uninhibitable CTL, which may be highly enriched for cells bearing high affinity TCR, could represent a new experimental approach to studies of TCR gene usage and repertoire, as well as a potentially important strategy for the deliberate generation of high affinity effector cells for adoptive immunotherapy.     

Anti-Lyt-1 monoclonal antibody inhibits induction of anti-self-TNP but not of alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes

The role of Lyt-1+ T cells in the induction of anti-self + TNP and anti-allogeneic CTL was investigated by the use of monoclonal antibodies directed against these molecules. When present during the 5 days of in vitro induction of CTL, anti-Lyt-1.1 mAb partially inhibited the induction of anti-self + TNP CTL but did not affect the induction of alloreactive CTL. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent, Lyt-1 allotype-specific, and directed at the responding cells. The inhibition could be abolished by the addition of interleukin 2-containing supernatants. These results suggest that under some experimental conditions, Lyt-1-specific mAb can be shown to affect a T cell function, probably a helper function. Possible differences in the induction mechanisms of anti-self + TNP and alloreactive CTL are discussed.     

IL-6/BSF-2 functions as a killer helper factor in the in vitro induction of cytotoxic T cells

rIL-6/B cell stimulatory factor 2 was found to augment CTL generation from mature as well as immature human T cells stimulated with UV-treated allogeneic cells. rIL-6 also acted on peanut agglutinin-positive murine thymocytes and Lyt-2-positive splenic T cells to give rise to CTL. rIL-6 alone could not induce CTL generation, the presence of IL-2 during the early phase of culture period was found to be essential for the IL-6 activity in the induction of CTL. The effect of rIL-6 was not mediated by the induction of IL-2 inasmuch as rIL-6 did not augment IL-2 production in MLC and anti-IL-2 antibody could not neutralize IL-6 activity. rIL-6 augmented CTL generation even when added 72 h after the initiation of cultures. The enhancing activity of rIL-6 could be neutralized with anti-IL-6 antibodies even when added 72 h after the initiation of cultures. The present data indicate that IL-6 acts in the late phase of CTL generation.     

Recognition of MHC class I allodeterminants regulates the generation of MHC class II-specific CTL

We have analyzed the signals influencing the generation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II allospecific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) and have found that the development of these CTL is actively regulated in primary in vitro cultures by Lyt-2+ T cells triggered in response to MHC class I alloantigens. Class II allospecific CTL can be readily stimulated in primary cultures, but the presence of a simultaneous class I MHC stimulus in these cultures causes a marked reduction of class II-specific CTL activation. This reduction can be prevented by adding to culture a dose of monoclonal anti-Lyt-2 antibody (in the absence of complement) that does not block the generation of class I-specific CTL. The role of MHC class I alloantigens in the regulation of class II allospecific responses illustrates that T cells recognizing class I and class II MHC antigens in mixed leukocyte cultures interact in a complex and nonreciprocal manner to influence the final effector T cell repertoire elicited by this complex immunogenic challenge.     

Cytolytic T lymphocyte clones that proliferate autonomously to specific alloantigenic stimulation. II. Relationship of the Lyt-2 molecular complex to cytolytic activity, proliferation, and lymphokine secretion

Previous analyses of the inhibitory effects of anti-Lyt-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) on cytolytic activity suggested that Lyt-2/3 antigens expressed on the surface of murine cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) are involved in antigen recognition. In the present study, we investigated the effects of anti-Lyt-2 mAb (in the absence of complement) on the functional activities of H-2K/D-specific Lyt-2+ CTL clones that proliferate to antigenic stimulation in the absence of helper T cells or added interleukin 2 (IL 2) and secrete lymphokines. For those clones that were inhibited in cytolysis by anti-Lyt-2 mAb, a parallel inhibition of antigen-dependent proliferation and lymphokine secretion (interferon, macrophage-activating factor) was observed. Inhibition of proliferation or lymphokine secretion could be overcome by the addition of IL 2 or lectin, respectively. Collectively, these results would strongly suggest that anti-Lyt-2 mAb were inhibiting CTL antigen recognition. Not all CTL clones, however, were inhibited in cytolysis by anti-Lyt-2 mAb, in which case proliferation and lymphokine secretion were similarly unaffected. This heterogeneity of Lyt-2+ CTL clones in their susceptibility to inhibition of cytolytic activity, proliferation, and lymphokine secretion by anti-Lyt-2 mAb is discussed in the context of a model proposing that Lyt-2/3 molecules function to stabilize the interaction between CTL receptors and the corresponding target/stimulating cell antigens. Such a stabilization may be required by CTL possessing few and/or low affinity receptors.     

Regulation of the cytotoxic activity of alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes by helper cells and lymphokines

The cytotoxic activity of alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) was maintained and augmented by transferring cells from a 5-day mixed lymphocyte culture MLC into a host culture (HC) containing indomethacin, freshly explanted normal spleen cells, and peritoneal cells which were syngeneic to the MLC cells. The MLC cells used in the transfer experiments were generated by culturing untreated H-2b splenic responders with irradiated H-2d stimulators, or were generated by culturing Lyt-2-depleted H-2b splenic responders with irradiated H-2d stimulators. The allo-CTL were found to be derived from the donor MLC (first culture) when unfractionated MLC cells were transferred into a host (second) culture and incubated for 5 days. In contrast, the allo-CTL were derived from host culture cells when Lyt-2-depleted MLC cells were transferred and the combined cultures incubated for 5 days. In the former case, the augmentation of MLC-derived cytotoxicity did not result from nonspecific expansion of all donor T cells; instead it was mediated by lymphokine(s), distinct from IL-2, produced by helper T cells generated in host culture, which appeared to selectively expand the antigen-specific CTL or to increase the cytotoxic activity of these CTL. The helper T cells were Thy-1+, L3T4+, and Lyt-2-. These findings indicate that antigen-nonspecific help was provided by helper cells or helper factors (lymphokines) generated in the host culture, which maintained and augmented the cytotoxic activity of the fully generated allo-CTL. This helper effect was also seen in the induction of primary allo-CTL responses which could be generated with fewer stimulating cells and with a stronger cytotoxic response at different R/S ratios tested. The generation of allo-CTL in second culture following transfer of Lyt-2-depleted MLC cells to host cultures appears to have involved antigen carryover from the MLC; however, antigen carryover alone was not sufficient. It appears that in the absence of Lyt-2+ suppressor T cells, antigen-specific help might be generated in donor cultures (Lyt-2-depleted MLC) which promoted or recruited the generation of antigen-specific CTL in host culture.     

A role for Lyt-2+ T cells in resistance to cutaneous leishmaniasis in immunized mice

The role of Lyt-2+ T cells in immunologic resistance to cutaneous leishmaniasis was analyzed by comparing infection patterns in resistant C57BL/6 mice and susceptible BALB/c mice induced to heal their infections after sub-lethal irradiation or i.v. immunization, with similar mice treated in vivo with anti-Lyt-2 antibodies. Administration of anti-Lyt-2 mAb resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of lymphoid cells expressing the Lyt-2+ phenotype. Such treatment led to enhanced disease in both resistant C57BL/6 and irradiated BALB/c mice, as assessed by lesion size, but did not affect the capacity of these mice to ultimately resolve their infections. In contrast, anti-Lyt-2 treatment totally blocked the induction of resistance in i.v. immunized mice. These results suggest, that Lyt-2+ T cells may play a role in immunity to a Leishmania major infection and that their relative importance to resistance may depend on how resistance is induced.     

Suppression of Ia-unrestricted primary anti-Qa-1 cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses by class II major histocompatibility complex-restricted cellular interactions

A model has been established for investigating the cellular interactions for the generation and regulation of primary cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to Qa-1 alloantigens. Although NZB anti-BALB/c one-way mixed leukocyte cultures (MLC) generate anti-Qa-1b CTL, anti-Qa-1 CTL responses are not generated during BALB/c anti-NZB one-way MLC or during two-way MLC with NZB and BALB/c spleen cells. However, depletion of L3T4+ cells from the spleens of BALB/c mice before two-way MLC with NZB spleen cells resulted in anti-Qa-1b CTL responses. Likewise, the addition of anti-L3T4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or anti-I-Ad mAb to two-way MLC with NZB and BALB/c spleen cells resulted in the generation of anti-Qa-1b CTL. Conversely, anti-Lyt-2 mAb inhibited the generation of anti-Qa-1 CTL. These data indicate that class II major histocompatibility complex-restricted cellular interactions are capable of suppressing the generation of Ia-unrestricted anti-Qa-1 CTL responses by Lyt-2+ responder cells. This model provides a novel opportunity to both characterize the cellular interactions responsible for regulating primary CTL responses to the Qa/Tla-encoded class I molecule Qa-1, and determine the contribution of this L3T4+ Ts-dependent defect in NZB mice to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.     

Modulation of in vitro immune responses by monoclonal antibody to T200 antigen

The effects of monoclonal antibody to the T200 antigen on murine mixed-lymphocyte cultures (MLC) and on the generation of alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are investigated. Addition of monoclonal anti-T200 without complement to MLC results in a late suppression of the proliferative response preceded in some cases by an early enhancement. These modulations require the presence of allogeneic stimulator cells; no effects are seen when antibody is added to responders alone. A similar effect is seen on the generation of CTL. Compared to controls without antibody, cultures carried out in the presence of anti-T200 show reduced levels of cytotoxicity measured against allogeneic targets by Day 5. The kinetics of the suppressive effects differ from those seen with anti-Lyt-2, and no suppressive effects are seen with monoclonal antibodies to other cell surface molecules.     

Induction of nonspecific cytotoxicity by monoclonal anti-T3 antibodies

The effects of monoclonal anti-T3 antibodies on the effector phase of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were studied with respect to antigen-specific and antigen-nonspecific lysis of different target cells. Anti-T3 antibodies inhibited the antigen-specific lysis by CTL generated in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC), but they concomitantly augmented the nonspecific killing of third-party cells such as the cell lines Daudi, Raji, and K562. This nonspecific cytotoxicity was induced by various anti-T3 antibodies, whereas antibodies reactive with other antigens expressed on the cytotoxic effector cells lacked any such activity. Anti-T3 antibodies induced nonspecific cytotoxicity only when activated T cells, obtained by primary MLC, by repeated restimulation, or after cloning, were used. The antibodies had no effect on unstimulated peripheral T lymphocytes or thymocytes. The inhibition of the antigen-specific lysis and the induction of nonspecific lysis by anti-T3 was dose dependent, and both effects occurred at the same concentration range of anti-T3. F(ab')2 fragments of anti-T3 inhibited the specific lysis but were not able to induce cytotoxic activity, indicating that this induction is an Fc-dependent process. When different target cells were tested, only Fc receptor-positive cells were susceptible for this nonspecific cytotoxicity. Thus, anti-T3 antibodies have a dual effect on effector CTL: they inhibit antigen-specific lysis and concomitantly induce nonspecific lysis in an Fc-dependent way.     

Immunoregulation by mouse T-cell clones. I. Suppression and amplification of cytotoxic responses by cloned H-Y-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes

H-Y-specific and H-2Db-restricted, Lyt-1-2+ T-cell clones ( CTLL ) with graded specific cytotoxic activities on male C57BL/6 (B6) target cells ( 1E3 , ; 2C5 , ++; 2A5 , +, 3E6 , +/-) were tested for their capacity to inhibit the generation of H-Y-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vitro. Addition of irradiated lymphocytes of CTLL 1E3 and CTLL 3E6 but not those of CTLL 2A5 or CTLL 2C5 abolished the generation of CTL from in vivo primed H-Y-specific precursor cells (CTLP) when added to fresh mixed-lymphocyte cultures (MLC). Exogenous sources of T-cell growth factors (TCGF) did not overcome suppression. Rather the presence of TCGF resulted in a further enhancement of suppressive activities in CTLL 1E3 and 3E6 and the induction of similar activities in cells from CTLL 2A5 and 2C5 , which by themselves were not inhibitory. Moreover when added to similar MLC on Day 1 instead of Day 0, only irradiated cells of CTLL 3E6 but not those of the other three CTLL were suppressive. Induction of suppressive activities in H-Y-specific CTLL was independent of the appropriate male stimulator cells since it was also observed in MLC induced by irrelevant antigens (H-2, trinitrophenol). Furthermore at low cell numbers, irradiated lymphocytes from any of the CTLL consistently enhanced CTL activities generated from H-Y-specific CTLP. This augmenting activity, which was not TCGF, could be transferred by soluble mediators present in antigen-sensitized CTLL cultures. Thus, these data indicate (i) that cytotoxic effector cells can function as suppressor cells in the generation of CTL, (ii) that the cytotoxic activity of cloned CTL does not correlate with their capacity to suppress CTL responses, (iii) that the inhibition of CTL responses by CTLL is not due to simple consumption of T-cell growth factors produced in MLC, and (iv) that different CTL clones may interfere with the generation of CTL at different stages of their maturation. Moreover, the experiments suggest an antigen-independent enhancement of suppression by the interaction of CTL with lymphokines. Together with the augmenting activity evoked by cloned CTL the data provide strong evidence for the expression of multiple immunological functions by one particular subset of T cells and suggest that cytotoxic effector cells can differentially regulate the maturation and/or clonal expression of their precursor cells.     

Clonal analysis of cytolytic T lymphocyte-mediated lysis of target cells with inducible antigen expression: correlation between antigen density and requirement for Lyt-2/3 function

The lysis by allospecific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) of the BALB/c lymphoma ST-4.5, a cell line that can be induced by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) to express increased amounts of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens, was investigated. Culture of ST-4.5 in IFN-gamma increased the surface expression of Kd molecules from originally low levels and Dd from undetectable amounts by approximately fivefold as determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, whereas the levels of several other antigens (Ld, I-Ad, Thy-1, Lyt-2, L3T4, and LFA-1) were not affected. The lysis of ST-4.5 by Dd- and Ld-specific CTL clones correlated with the expression of those antigens on target cells as determined by both FACS and biochemical analysis. Lysis of ST-4.5 by CTL clones specific for Kd antigen fell into two distinct groups: those that could lyse targets cultured either normally or in IFN-gamma, and those that could only lyse targets that had been precultured in IFN-gamma. The apparent sensitivity to antigen exhibited by the Kd-specific CTL clones predicted their sensitivity to inhibition of target lysis by anti-Lyt-2/3 antibody. Those CTL clones that were only active against ST-4.5 expressing higher amounts of surface antigen (resulting from IFN-gamma preculture) were readily inhibited by anti-Lyt-2/3 antibody, whereas those CTL capable of lysing normally cultured targets having lower amounts of surface antigen were heterogeneous in their sensitivity to anti-Lyt-2/3; some were inhibitable, whereas others were resistant. In addition, another CTL clone that was resistant to inhibition by anti-Lyt-2/3 alone was readily inhibited by a synergistic combination of anti-Lyt-2/3 plus anti-Kd (but not anti-Dd or Ld) antibodies. These results indicate that CTL antigen receptor sensitivity to (or affinity for) antigen and the level of specific antigen expression by the target cell may both be important criteria in assessing Lyt-2/3 molecule function in CTL-mediated cytolysis. The function of recognition-associated molecules such as Lyt-2/3 may be to strengthen and increase the number of receptor-ligand binding events that facilitate CTL-target membrane interactions that lead to the lysis of the target cell.     

Effects of anti-Lyt-2 and anti-L3T4 monoclonal antibodies on the function of cytotoxic T lymphocyte/helper T lymphocyte hybrid T cell clones

CTL/HTL hybrid clones provide a unique system that allows detailed analysis of the role of Lyt-2, L3T4, and other structures involved in T cell functions. We have demonstrated previously that the fusion of cloned murine CTL and helper T lymphocytes with defined specificity generated hybrid cells that expressed both Lyt-2 and L3T4 as well as two TCR. Data obtained with these hybrid clones demonstrated that cytolysis is closely linked to the CTL TCR. We have analyzed the effects of anti-Lyt-2 and anti-L3T4 as well as anti-TCR mAb on cytolysis, proliferation, and lymphokine release by a number of hybrid clones. We found that anti-Lyt-2 and anti-L3T4 mAb were able to inhibit both proliferation and lymphokine release by the hybrid clones in response to stimulation of either the CTL or helper T lymphocyte parent TCR. In contrast, only anti-Lyt-2 and anti-CTL TCR mAb were able to block cytolysis of target cells bearing the Ag recognized by the CTL TCR. These results provide further evidence that cytolysis is closely linked to the CTL TCR and that Lyt-2 and L3T4 have more than a passive role as accessory molecules on the surface of T lymphocytes.     

Mechanism of recovery from acute virus infection: treatment of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-infected mice with monoclonal antibodies reveals that Lyt-2+ T lymphocytes mediate clearance of virus and regulate the antiviral antibody response.

After intravenous infection of mice, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus multiplied in spleens and livers, attaining highest concentrations on days 4 to 6. The subsequent clearance was as rapid, and 8 to 10 days after inoculation, infectivity was usually below detectability. During the effector phase of virus elimination, both cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) activity and the number of cells producing antiviral antibodies were high. Monoclonal antibodies directed against T lymphocytes and T-lymphocyte subsets were inoculated once intravenously 5, 6, or 7 days after infection of the animals, and the effects on antiviral immune responses, as well as on elimination of virus from the organs, were determined. Treatment with anti-Thy-1 and anti-Lyt-2 antibodies blocked elimination of the virus and profoundly diminished the activity of spleen CTLs but reduced the antibody response partially (anti-Thy-1) or increased it (anti-Lyt-2). In contrast, treatment with the anti-L3T4 antibody had essentially no effect on either virus elimination or CTL response but abolished antibody production. We conclude that Lyt-2+ (cytotoxic-suppressive) T lymphocytes are needed for elimination of the virus and also regulate the humoral response but that antiviral antibodies are not essential for control of the infection.     

Antigen-independent activation of memory cytotoxic T cells by interleukin 2

Culture supernatants from mitogen- or antigen-activated murine spleen cells are capable of causing reexpression of specific cytolytic activity from inactive memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the absence of the original priming antigen. We have demonstrated that memory CTL from cytolytically inactive day 14 MLC cells are induced to reexpress high levels of specific cytotoxic activity after incubation with IL 2. Highly purified IL 2 was shown to induce levels of lytic activity comparable with that induced by supernatants from secondary mixed lymphocyte cultures (secondary MLC SN), suggesting that only IL 2 is necessary for the reactivation process. Moreover, only Lyt-2+ cells are necessary for reactivation inasmuch as inactive MLC cells depleted of Lyt-1+ cells by treatment with antibody and complement, followed by FACS selection of Lyt-2+ cells, were efficiently reactivated by IL 2. Because IL 2 is considered a proliferative signal, we examined whether proliferation was requisite for reactivation of memory CTL by IL 2. In the presence of cytosine arabinoside, which effectively inhibited proliferation, IL 2 was capable of reactivating memory CTL as efficiently as antigen, thus implying a differentiative role for IL 2 in secondary CTL activation. Reactivation of CTL by IL 2 and antigen appear to be functionally distinct events, because antigen but not IL 2 could trigger immune interferon release, although either IL 2 or antigen induced high levels of cytotoxicity. We propose that resting, memory CTL retain a heightened level of expression of IL 2 receptors as compared with naive CTL precursors, and thus are able to respond directly to exogenous IL 2. The consequences of this are proliferation and reexpression of specific killing activity, but this signal is not sufficient to induce immune interferon secretion. Rather, it appears that a signal via the antigen receptor is necessary for release of this lymphokine.     

Class II antigen-specific murine cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). I. Analysis of bulk populations and establishment of Lyt-2+L3T4- and Lyt-2-L3T4+ bulk CTL lines

Murine allogeneic cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs), including long-term bulk CTL lines, were induced in I-region-incompatible combinations of strains in vitro in order to study the phenotypes of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen-specific CTLs, as well as the possible functional involvement of accessory cell interaction molecules such as Lyt-2 and L3T4. This report shows that class II-specific allogeneic CTL populations consist of two types of T cells. Lyt-2+L3T4- (2+4-) and Lyt-2-L3T4+ (2-4+), in variable proportions depending on the strain combination, that in vitro bulk CTL lines with each of these phenotypes can be established, that the killing function of 2-4+ CTL is sensitive to the blocking effect of anti-L3T4 antibodies, suggesting functional involvement of this molecule in the CTL-target interaction, that anti-Lyt-2 antibodies fail to block killing by 2+4- cells, suggesting that such CTLs do not utilize this molecule in their killing function, and that while I-A-specific CTLs of both phenotypes are detectable, 2-4+ cells could not be detected among I-E-specific CTL populations.     

Anti-idiotypic B cells are required for the induction of suppressor T cells

A nylon wool-adherent, B cell-enriched population is required during the in vitro induction of third order effector suppressor T cells (Ts3). This B cell population expresses IgM and IgD and is devoid of conventional T cell markers such as Thy-1, L3T4, and Lyt-1. Treatment of the B cell population with anti-NP antibodies expressing the NPb idiotype and complement specifically eliminated the ability to generate Ts cell activity, suggesting that the critical B cells expressed anti-idiotypic receptors. To independently verify the role of anti-idiotypic B cells in the generation of Ts cells, B cells were panned on antibody-coated plates. The results demonstrated that only NPb idiotype-binding B cells could induce effector suppressor cells from naive T cell populations. The combined data demonstrate the role of Ig network interactions in the generation of Ts cells.