Effect of antigen priming on T-cell suppression. I. Activity of Ly 1+2+ feedback suppressor T-cell precursors after isolation from competing Ly 2-T cells

Previous experiments have demonstrated that feedback suppression of murine antibody responses occurs in vitro after exposure of unprimed T-cell subsets to suppression-inducing signals from primed cells, resulting in suppression of primary and secondary IgM as well as IgG anti-SRBC responses. However, following priming with antigen when cells appear which are capable of inducing feedback suppression, the ability of unfractionated splenic T-cell populations to mediate detectable feedback suppression in vitro rapidly disappears, suggesting that priming alters the expression of feedback suppression at the same time as providing for its induction. In the present study, we have succeeded in isolating active feedback suppressor T-cell precursors (preTs) in the Ly 1+2+ and L3T4- T-cell populations from SRBC-primed as well as from unprimed mice, demonstrating that preTs are not lost after priming. The preTs isolated from primed mice resemble those isolated from unprimed mice in Ly and L3T4 phenotype, cell dose requirements, kinetics, level of suppression, and requirement for in vitro activation by primed cells. These results imply that antigen priming neither significantly depresses nor enhances the ability of Ly 1+2+ preTs to participate in feedback suppression and that activated suppressor effector cells are not detectable in the Ly 1+2+ splenic T-cell subset. Priming does, however, induce an enhancing activity in Ly 2-, L3T4+ T cells which appears to compete with feedback suppression and thus may account for the absence of detectable feedback suppression when unfractionated T cells from primed mice are the only source of preTs.     

Selective activation of immunoregulatory T-cell circuits by an Ia+ antigen-presenting cell line

ORA I-a, a cloned Ia+ monocyte tumor line, interacts with distinct immunoregulatory T-cell subsets. ORA cells present soluble and alloantigen to primed lymph node T cells and alloantigen to antigen-activated T-cell clones. However, they induce dose-dependent suppression during primary mixed lymphocyte cultures. Activation of a mixed lymphocyte response (MLR) suppressor pathway is mediated by Ly 1+ T cells. This T-cell subset proliferates in response to ORA when Ly 2+ cells are depleted. Furthermore, once activated, Ly 1+ T cells induce effectors of suppression within fresh T-cell populations. These studies indicate that antigen presentation to distinct T-cell subsets during different stages of an immune response may be mediated by unique antigen-presenting cell subpopulations. Immune homeostasis may thus be controlled not only by regulatory T cells, but also by unique antigen-presenting cells which are responsible for their selective activation.     

Analysis of the cellular basis of idiotype-specific suppression.

We have investigated the ability of B and T lymphocyte subclasses from donor mice that produce high levels of anti-Ar antibody but have been suppressed for one idiotypic component (CRI) to induce and maintain idiotypespecific suppression. Our studies indicate: 1) Memory B cells from such mice can preempt virgin CRI+ B cells present in the host from contributing to the anti-Ar response. 2) T cells can also adoptively transfer idiotypespecific suppression. 3) B and T cells do not act synergistically in this transfer of idiotype-specific suppression. 4) Extremely small numbers of Ly23 cells transfer suppression of idiotype and most probably represent true Ts cells. 5) Ly1 cells from hyperimmune idiotypically suppressed donors can induce idiotype-specific suppression. This latter result most likely reflects the induction of idiotype-specific suppressor cells in the host.     

Characterization of streptococcal antigen-specific CD8+, MHC class I-restricted, T cell clones that down-regulate in vitro antibody synthesis.

T cell clones were generated from the peripheral blood of rhesus monkeys that had been immunized with a soluble Mr 185,000 Ag (SAI/II) derived from Streptococcus mutans. The clones were CD3+ CD8+ CD4- alpha beta TCR+ and were specifically stimulated to proliferate by SAI/II. The proliferative responses of the cloned cells were class I restricted, as demonstrated by reconstitution of the cloned T cells with APC matched at various MHC class I and II loci, as well as by inhibition with anti-class I and not anti-class II mAb. The function of the CD8+ cloned cells was examined in vitro for their effect on antibody synthesis by Ag-stimulated CD4+ cells and B cells from immunized animals. Indeed, four of the five clones suppressed SAI/II-specific IgG antibody synthesis when activated with SAI/II and the appropriate MHC-matched APC. Although activation of the suppressor clones was Ag specific, the effector function of the suppression of antibody synthesis was Ag nonspecific. The latter was probably mediated by lymphokines and, indeed, the culture supernatant generated by stimulating the cloned CD8+ cells with anti-CD3 mAb suppressed both the specific and nonspecific antibody synthesis. Cytotoxicity studies showed that all five CD8+ clones showed a low level of lectin-dependent cytotoxicity. However, because four of the five clones expressed significant suppression of antibody synthesis, the suppressor activity was unlikely to be a function of the weak cytotoxicity. The results suggest that immunization of rhesus monkeys with a soluble streptococcal Ag induced CD8+ alpha beta TCR+ T cell clones that show SAI/II-specific, MHC class I-restricted proliferative responses and nonspecific down-regulatory function of in vitro antibody synthesis.     

T cell-mediated immunity to oncornavirus-induced tumors. I. Ly phenotype of precursor and effector cytolytic T lymphocytes

Regression of tumor induced by murine sarcoma virus (MSV) is accompanied by the formation of specific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). Selection of T-cells sets by Ly phenotype determination allows separation of T sets involved in the cytolytic reaction. After MSV inoculation we demonstrate that a) Ly123+ cells contain precursors of CTL, b) direct cytolysis is mainly mediated by Ly23 cells, 3) cytolytic memory is divisible into "early" memory, carried by Ly23 cells, and "late" memory, which reverts to an Ly123 precursor population, and d) Ly1 cells are required to induce anti-MSV antibody formation.     

Activation of T cells in tumor-bearing mice

Subcutaneous transplantation of the syngeneic P815 mastocytoma in DBA/2J mice induced an activation of splenic T cells which resulted in a hyperresponsiveness of the tumor-bearing animal to the unrelated antigens pneumococcal polysaccharide (Pn) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC). These tumor-activated T cells appeared to increase the plaque-forming cell (PFC) potential of suboptimal numbers of spleen cells, caused normal spleen cells to express increased numbers of PFC, and produced lymphokine(s) which also increased PFC responses of normal splenocytes. The tumor-activated T cells responsible for stimulating normal splenocytes in an in vitro antibody response were shown to be Ly+2- cells. The activity of the tumor-activated T-cell supernatants was not genetically restricted and required additional Ly1 T cells in order to induce rigorously clean B cells to produce antibody. The T cells capable of stimulating non-specific antibody responses were also capable of slowing tumor growth when injected with tumor cells in normal recipient mice. These results suggest that T cells activated by tumor antigens release immunostimulatory lymphokines and, at the same time, are capable of leading to inhibition of tumor growth.     

T cell regulation of B cell activation: antigen-specific and antigen-nonspecific suppressor pathways are mediated by distinct T cell subpopulations

The present studies were carried out to characterize the cellular events involved in the induction and function of carrier-specific Ts cells, which selectively regulate the generation of IgG responses by Lyb-5- B cells. It was demonstrated that this regulation is in fact mediated by two distinct suppressor pathways. In one pathway, carrier-primed Lyt-1 + 2 - Ts cells are specifically activated by in vitro reexposure to the priming antigen. After this specific activation, these Lyt-1 + 2 - Ts cells are able to suppress IgG responses in an antigen-nonspecific manner. This suppression requires the participation of unprimed Lyt-1 - 2 + T cells, and is effective in both the early and the late phases of antibody responses. A second suppressor pathway requires the antigen-specific activation of primed Lyt-1 - 2 + Ts cells. Suppression of antibody responses by activated Lyt-1 - 2 + Ts cells is highly carrier specific, in contrast to the nonspecific effector function of Lyt-1 + 2 - Ts cells, appears to act without requirement for additional T cell populations; and is effective only early in the course of the antibody response. Thus, it appears that two Ts cell populations may function through distinct mechanisms to regulate the generation of IgG Lyb-5- B cell responses.     

Induction of suppressor T cells of antibody formation under conditions that preferentially stimulate DTH

These studies describe the conditions under which antibody-forming cells and TDTH cells are selectively induced in vitro. TDTH cells are preferentially stimulated when high doses of antigen are included in the culture. Antibody-forming cells, on the other hand, are optimally stimulated with a 100 to 1000-fold less concentration of antigen. The conditions that optimally stimulate TDTH cells also induce a population of suppressor T cells that inhibit the antibody response. However, although their inductive requirements are similar, the suppressor T cells of antibody formation are a distinct subpopulation of cells from the TDTH cells. Whereas the suppressor T cells are LY-1-, 2+, 4-, 6+, and Ia+; the TDTH cells are Ly-1+, 2+/-, 4-, 6+, and Ia-. Furthermore, the DTH cells are sensitive to high doses of irradiation, whereas the suppressor cells are resistant. Based on the Ly phenotype and the kinetics of suppression, the suppressor T cells are not the "feedback suppressors" that have been identified in other systems. The system described in this paper provides a means whereby the cells that regulate humoral and CMI can be studied in vitro.     

Helper T cells against tumor-associated antigens (TAA): preferential induction of helper T cell activities involved in anti-TAA cytotoxic T lymphocyte and antibody responses

This study establishes assay systems for helper T cell activities assisting cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and antibody responses to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) and demonstrates the existence of TAA that induce preferentially anti-TAA CTL helper and B cell helper T cell activities in two syngeneic tumor models. C3H/HeN mice were immunized to the syngeneic X5563 plasmacytoma or MH134 hepatoma. Spleen cells from these mice were tested for anti-TAA helper T cell activity capable of augmenting anti-trinitrophenyl(TNP) CTL and anti-TNP antibody responses from anti-TNP CTL and B cell precursors (responding cells) by stimulation with TNP-modified X5563 or MH134 tumor cells. The results demonstrate that cultures of responding cells plus 85OR X-irradiated tumor-immunized spleen cells (helper cells) failed to enhance anti-TNP CTL or antibody responses when in vitro stimulation was provided by either unmodified tumor cells or TNP-modified syngeneic spleen cells (TNP-self). In contrast, these cultures resulted in appreciable augmentation of anti-TNP CTL or antibody response when stimulated by TNP-modified tumor cells. Such anti-TAA helper activities were revealed to be Lyt-1+2- T cell mediated and TAA specific. Most interestingly, immunization with X5563 tumor cells resulted in anti-TAA helper T cell activity involved in CTL, but not in antibody responses. Conversely, TAA of MH134 tumor cells induced selective generation of anti-TAA helper T cell activity responsible for antibody response. These results indicate that there exists the qualitative TAA-heterogeneity as evidenced by the preferential induction of anti-TAA CTL- and B cell-helper T cell activities. The results are discussed in the light of cellular mechanisms underlying the preferential anti-TAA immune responses, and the interrelationship between various types of cell functions including CTL- and B cell-help.     

Characterization of a murine monoclonal antibody specific for an allotypic determinant on T cell antigen receptor

Repeated immunization of normal C57L/J (H-2b) mice with peripheral T cells from BALB.B (H-2b) mice results in the production of antibodies which react with the T cell receptor. A monoclonal antibody-producing hybridoma, F23.1, was isolated from immunized C57L/J mice showing this property. This monoclonal antibody recognizes approximately 25% of peripheral T cells in BALB mice. It stains approximately the same fraction of T cells and precipitates the same heterodimer as the rat monoclonal antibody described previously that was made against isolated receptor material. The allotypic determinant recognized by this monoclonal antibody is present in most common laboratory strains (BALB, C57BL, CBA, A, DBA, C3H) and is absent in C57L, C57BR, and SJL mice. Sorting peripheral T cells from BALB.B or (SJL X BALB/c)F1 mice for the F23.1+ and F23.1- subsets revealed that both populations contain approximately the same CTL precursor frequency for alloantigen. Thus, the T cell receptor allotype defined by F23.1 is present on CTL. Furthermore, cytotoxicity mediated by an F23.1+ CTL line could be blocked specifically by the F23.1 monoclonal antibody. Under appropriate conditions, the monoclonal antibody F23.1 bound to Sepharose 4B beads can induce resting peripheral T lymphocytes of allotype-positive strains to proliferate.     

Subpopulations of CD8+ cytotoxic T cell precursors collaborate in the absence of conventional CD4+ helper T cells.

Four different subpopulations (Ly6Cneg, Ly6Clow, Ly6Cint, and Ly6Chi) of CD8+ T cells were arbitrarily defined on the basis of differential expression of Ly6C Ag. By combining the processes of electronic cell sorting and automated cell deposition, small numbers of respective CD8+ T cell subpopulations were directly deposited into tissue culture wells in which mitogen-stimulated responses were studied. Anti-CD3-stimulated proliferation and IL-2 production were the strongest by Ly6Cneg/Ly6Clow T cells, moderate for Ly6Cint T cells, and highly deficient for Ly6Chi T cells. The level of IL-2 production for Ly6Cneg CD8+ T cells was comparable to that of conventional CD4+ Th cells. Allogeneic stimulator cells elicited a strong cytotoxic response by Ly6Cneg + low but not Ly6Chi CD8+ T cells in the absence of added lymphokines. When IL-2 was supplied in excess, anti-CD3 induced comparable levels of cell proliferation and cytotoxic activity in Ly6Cneg, Ly6Clow, Ly6Cint, and Ly6Chi CD8+ T cells whereas alloantigen stimulated an approximate fivefold higher cytotoxic response by Ly6Chi than Ly6Cneg + low CD8+ T cells. Stimulation of co-cultures of B10 (CD8b) Ly6Cneg + low and congenic B10.CD8a Ly6Chi CD8+ T cells in the absence of added lymphokines, followed by selective elimination of activated CD8.1+ (CD8.2+) T cells by anti-CD8.1 (anti-CD8.2) + C treatment, allowed the demonstration that help provided by Ly6Cneg + low T cells can be effectively used by both Ly6Cneg + low and Ly6Chi T cells in anti-CD3 and alloantigen induced proliferative and cytotoxic responses, respectively.     

Chicken T lymphocyte clones with specificity for Eimeria tenella. I. Generation and functional characterization

T lymphocyte clones reacting specifically with the antigenic components of Eimeria tenella were generated from splenic lymphocytes of immunized chickens and were maintained for 12 to 14 wk in vitro. These T cell growth factor-dependent T lymphocyte clones from bursectomized and normal chickens proliferated in vitro when stimulated with antigens from different developmental stages of homologous but not heterologous species of the parasite. Specific proliferative responses of the cloned T cells showed an absolute requirement for antigen presentation by histocompatible antigen-presenting cells. Some of the T cell clones exhibited functionally discrete interactions with syngeneic primed B cells; 25% of the T cell clones from immunized normal chickens and 7% of those obtained from immunized bursectomized chickens showed antigen-dependent helper activity and induced specific antibody production by syngeneic primed B cells. Of the T cell clones from immunized normal chickens, 19% showed suppression of in vitro antibody production in comparison to 7% of those isolated from immunized bursectomized chickens. The frequency of cloned T cells with ability to induce cytotoxic activity in macrophages against the sporozoites of E. tenella was much higher in those isolated from bursectomized chickens (80%) than in those isolated from normal chickens. Because both bursectomized and normal chickens can be immunized by repeated infections, differences in the distribution among cloned T cells suggest different effector mechanisms of immunity against coccidiosis in these chickens. Lack of B cells seem to affect the development of T cell immunity as reflected by slower development of immunity and enhanced activation of cytotoxic T cell function.     

Lymphotoxin production by subsets of T cells

Lymphotoxin is produced by T cells sensitized to antigen upon re-exposure in vitro. It is also elicited by mitogen treatment. Its production has been correlated with delayed-type hypersensitivity and it may be a mediator of that phenomenon. We have examined the Ly phenotype of the subset(s) of T cells that produce lymphotoxin in order to investigate the relationship of lymphotokin killing to allo-killing mediated by Ly2+ T cells. We have found that Ly1 T cells sensitized to ovalbumin secrete more lymphotoxin than Ly2 cells. The ovalbumin-sensitized T cells do not lyse their target in a short term 51Cr-release assay even when "glued" to the target with Con A. Thus, lymphotoxin-producing cells differ phenotypically from the previously defined cytotoxic T cells that bear the Ly2 differentiation marker.     

重组质粒与重组蛋白共免疫诱导HBsAg特异性T细胞免疫抑制

摘要：【目的】为了探索治疗急性乙型肝炎和爆发性乙型肝的新策略,本研究将HBV DNA疫苗和相应抗原的蛋白质分子联合免疫小鼠,旨在探讨联合免疫对小鼠抗原特异性T细胞增殖反应的影响。【方法】我们将HBV DNA疫苗（pcDS2）和相应抗原蛋白质分子(HBsAg)联合免疫BALB/c小鼠;分别在第0、2和4周进行免疫,在第6周用ELISA方法检测抗-HBs IgG效价,MTT和流式细胞仪检测T细胞增殖反应,及流式细胞仪检测细胞因子表达水平。【结果】pcDS2和HBsAg联合免疫组小鼠的抗-HBs水平显著提高;免疫小鼠的T细胞体外经HBsAg刺激后, 联合免疫组刺激指数(SI)明显降低;经流式细胞仪检测进一步证实联合免疫组T细胞增殖反应被显著抑制;联合免疫组T细胞表达IL-10和Foxp3水平显著升高。【结论】pcDS2和HBsAg联合免疫能诱导产生特异性体液免疫应答,但不能诱导产生抗原特异性T细胞增殖反应;T细胞增殖反应被显著抑制可能与T细胞表达IL-10和Foxp3上调有关;本研究为急性乙型肝炎和爆发性乙型肝炎治疗及HBV疫苗的研究奠定了基础。     

Cutting edge: the SLAM family receptor Ly108 controls T cell and neutrophil functions

Ly108, a glycoprotein of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family of cell surface receptors expressed by T, B, NK, and APCs has been shown to have a role in NK cell cytotoxicity and T cell cytokine responses. In this study, we describe that CD4(+) T cells from mice with a targeted disruption of exons 2 and 3 of Ly108 (Ly108(DeltaE2+3)) produce significantly less IL-4 than wild-type CD4(+) cells, as judged by in vitro assays and by in vivo responses to cutaneous infection with Leishmania mexicana. Surprisingly, neutrophil functions are controlled by Ly108. Ly108(DeltaE2+3) mice are highly susceptible to infection with Salmonella typhimurium, bactericidal activity of Ly108(DeltaE2+3) neutrophils is defective, and their production of IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-alpha is increased. The aberrant bactericidal activity by Ly108(DeltaE2+3) neutrophils is a consequence of severely reduced production of reactive oxygen species following phagocytosis of bacteria. Thus, Ly108 serves as a regulator of both innate and adaptive immune responses.     

HLA-linked nonresponsiveness to Cryptomeria japonica pollen antigen. I. Nonresponsiveness is mediated by antigen-specific suppressor T cell

The objective of this study was to elucidate the cellular mechanism of IgE nonresponse to the Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar) pollen antigen (CPAg), which was shown in our previous study to be HLA-linked (1). We established an assay system for the measurement of small amounts of anti-CPAg IgE antibody, both in an antigen-specific and isotype-specific manner, and a culture system to induce antigen-driven IgE antibody synthesis in vitro. By using these methods, we clarified that the function of the HLA-DR molecule in the CPAg-driven IgE response is similar to that of I-A or I-E molecule in mice, namely the product of immune response genes (Ir-genes), because anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibody blocked the response, and the interaction between monocyte and monocyte-depleted peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to respond to CPAg was restricted by HLA-DR. Furthermore, PBL from nonresponders revealed a specific IgE response to CPAg when the Leu-2+3- T cell fraction was depleted, thereby suggesting that even nonresponders have Leu-2-3+ T cell and B cell clones specific for CPAg, and they apparently show no response due to the presence of CPAg-specific Leu-2+3- suppressor T cells. This suppressor T cell fraction abolished the IgE response of the autologous B + monocyte + Leu-2-3+ T cell in a CPAg-specific manner. The current cellular analysis together with our previous genetic analysis strongly suggest that the HLA-linked IgE nonresponse to CPAg is mediated by CPAg-specific suppressor T cells. The HLA-linked gene controlling the nonresponsiveness to CPAg is thus designated as the immune suppression gene for CPAg (Is-CPAg). Mapping of Is-CPAg within HLA-DQ subregion is discussed.     

Down-regulation of murine collagen-induced arthritis by a T cell hybridoma

T cell hybridoma cell lines were generated by somatic cell fusion of BW 5147 myeloma cells and splenic cells from mice suppressed for collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Two cell lines were characterized for their cell surface phenotype, antigen recognition and capacity to down-regulate the erythema and edema associated with CIA. Cell line T101N was determined to portray the cell surface phenotype Ly1+2- L3T4- Thy1+ by a direct binding assay. Cell line T104B1 was determined to express only the Thy1+ alloantigen. Panning studies, measurement of IL-2 production in vitro and the suppression of antibodies to type I and type II collagen in vivo indicate that the hybridoma cells are not isotype specific in their recognition of the polymorphic interstitial collagens. Down-regulation of the erythema and edema of CIA occurred on injection of 1 X 10(5) T101N cells but not T104B1 cells. Histology of the tarsus region of the hind paw of CIA mice 33 days after the administration of T101N cells showed contrasting histopathology compared to that of CIA mice. The joints of CIA mice given T101N cells showed aligned articular surfaces resembling normal joint structure and only residual pannus. The data indicate that collagen-specific cloned T cell lines can modulate the gross pathology and joint architecture of joints exhibiting CIA.     

Suppression of antibody synthesis by CD4+ T cell clones and normal T cells stimulated with monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody

CD4+ve Th1 clones, as well as normal splenic T cells, were found to suppress LPS-driven antibody secretion in a non-Ag-specific and non-MHC-restricted manner when the T cells were activated with the anti-CD3 mAb, 145-2C11. Suppression was observed with both primed and naive B cells, as well as with purified hapten-specific B cells, a result that suggests a direct effect of anti-CD3-activated T cells on B cell differentiation. Th1 clones activated by cognate Ag also suppressed LPS-driven antibody secretion. Furthermore, suppression of LPS-driven antibody secretion could be achieved across a cell-impermeable porous membrane when T cells were activated with anti-CD3. Suppression by Th1 clones and by normal T cells could not be attributed to a concomitant decrease in B cell proliferation or to a shift in the kinetics or isotype of the antibody response. These data demonstrate that CD4+ve Th1 clones, as well as normal T cells, can effect suppression of polyclonal antibody formation.     

The isolation and characterization of the human helper inducer T cell subset

Monoclonal antibody anti-4B4 was produced by fusing NS1 myeloma with spleen cells of a mouse immunized with Saguinus oedipus lymphocyte. This anti-4B4 antibody defines a 135-KD cell surface protein that is widely distributed throughout the hematopoietic system. More importantly, anti-4B4 is reactive with functionally unique human T cell subsets. Anti-4B4 antibody was reactive with approximately 41% of unfractionated T cells, 41% of T4+ inducer cells, and approximately 43% of T8+ cytotoxic/suppressor population. This antibody subdivided peripheral blood T4+ cells into two functionally distinct populations. The T4+4B4+ subset proliferates relatively poorly upon stimulation with Con A and autologous cell antigens (AMLR) but well on exposure to soluble antigens, and it provides a good helper signal for PWM-induced Ig synthesis. The T4+4B4- subset, in contrast, proliferates well to Con A stimulation and autologous cell antigen (AMLR) but relatively poorly to soluble antigen stimulation, and provides little help to B cells for PWM-induced Ig synthesis. The T4+4B4- subset is largely 2H4+ and functions as the inducer of the T8+ suppressor cells. Thus, the present results suggest that one can divide the human T4 population into two major subsets that are phenotypically and functionally distinct, the human helper inducer subset (T4+4B4+/H.I.) and its reciprocal population defined by anti-2H4, the suppressor inducer subset (T4+2H4+/S.I.).     

Generation of somatic variants of a B cell hybrid mediated by a non-cytolytic L3T4+ idiotype-specific T cell

We previously reported that idiotype (Id)-loss, stable somatic variants of a B cell hybrid, 2C3E1, are generated both in vitro and in vivo, after interaction of the Id-positive tumor cells with autologous Id-specific effector T cells. The present investigation was undertaken to elucidate further the nature and functional characteristics of the effector T cells. We report here that the idiotype-specific cells mediating the generation of Id- tumor variants are Thy1+ L3T4+ Lyt-2- cells, which respond to specific idiotypic stimulation by secreting IL-2 in vitro. No IL-2 is secreted in response to unrelated Ig or an Id/Ig-2C3E1 tumor variant. Furthermore, the Id-specific T cells exert strong suppressive effects on the expression of 2C3E1 Ig and the effects can be reversed by blocking the L3T4+ T cells with monoclonal anti-L3T4 antibody in vitro during the initial 3 days of co-culture. After 4 days, the T cell-mediated suppression of the 2C3E1-Id is irreversible. In addition to the in vitro studies we have determined that the administration of anti-L3T4 mAb to mice just before priming with idiotype-bearing tumor cells also abrogates the suppressive effects of the idiotype primed spleen cells on Ig expression of 2C3E1. To study the Id-specific effector T cells in more detail we have generated functional Id-specific L3T4+ T cell lines. These T cell lines have been shown to recapitulate the generation of Id- tumor variants that we observed with Id-primed spleen cells. It is concluded that L3T4+, Id-specific Ts cells are responsible for the generation of somatic variants of the B cell hybrid 2C3E1 and that the induction or selection of these variants progresses from a reversible phase to an irreversible phase.