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.     

Characterization of the murine T cell surface molecule, designated L3T4, identified by monoclonal antibody GK1.5: similarity of L3T4 to the human Leu-3/T4 molecule

Monoclonal antibody GK1.5 recognizes a previously undescribed murine T cell surface molecule, designated L3T4, which migrates on SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions as a single band with an apparent m.w. of 52,000. L3T4 is expressed by approximately 80% of thymocytes and by approximately 20% of spleen cells. There appears to be poor correlation between expression of L3T4 by functional T cell clones and expression of Lyt-2, expression of the cytolytic phenotype, and class I MHC antigen reactivity. On the other hand, both a class II MHC antigen-reactive HTL clone and an Lyt-1- Mls-reactive HTL clone express L3T4. Analysis of the effect of mAb GK1.5 on PFC responses in adoptive transfer suggests that L3T4 is expressed by the helper/inducer subset of murine T cells. Expression of L3T4 by murine T cells, however, may correlate primarily with class II MHC antigen reactivity rather than with functional phenotype; mAb GK1.5 profoundly blocks antigen-specific cytolysis by the cloned class II MHC antigen-reactive CTL line A15-1.17. Antigen-specific cytolysis by A15-1.17 is blocked by mAb GK1.5 at a step before the lethal hit. Collectively, the flow cytometric, functional, and biochemical data indicate that L3T4 is similar to the human Leu-3/T4 molecule.     

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.     

Class II antigen-specific murine cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). II. Genuine class II specificity of Lyt-2+ CTL clones

Class II-specific allogeneic cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) consist of two types of cells, i.e., Lyt-2+L3T4- and Lyt-2-L3T4 T cells. The Lyt-2+L3T4- class II-specific CTL population constitutes a conspicuous exception to the general correlation observed between the class of major histocompatibility complex antigen recognized and the type of accessory molecules expressed by T cells. In order to examine the specificity of such an exceptional T cell population, CTL clones were established by limiting dilution of a bulk CTL line developed in an I region incompatible combination of mouse strains, B10.QBR anti-B10.MBR. These CTL lines showed single genetic specificity indicating their clonal nature with respect to CTL activities. Lyt-2+L3T4- (2+4-), Lyt-2-L3T4+ (2-4+) and Lyt-2-L3T4- (2-4-) clones were obtained. Among many CTL clones showing a spectrum of genetic specificities, 2+4- and 2-4+ clones with apparent I-Ak-specificity, were studied further and four lines of evidence confirmed their class II specificity: 1) genes encoding the target antigen for these CTL clones were mapped within the I-A subregion by simple genetics; 2) an I-Ak-specific monoclonal antibody readily blocked specific cytolysis by these clones; 3) the clones failed to react with cells expressing mutated I-Ak antigens; and 4) a B cell tumor transfected with alpha- and beta-chain genes of I-Ak was specifically lysed by these CTL clones. These data therefore establish the existence of Lyt-2+ CTL with genuine class II specificity. All 2-4+ CTL were sensitive to the blocking effect of an antibody to L3T4, whereas none of the 2+4- class II-specific CTL were sensitive to blocking by an anti-Lyt-2 antibody, indicating that class II-specific CTL with "wrong phenotype" is not dependent on the function of the accessory molecule. Besides true class II-specific CTL clones, 2+4- clones with a spectrum of genetic specificities were obtained, including clones recognizing a combination of an I-Ak product and the Kb molecule. Two 2-4- clones were also specific for the combination of Kb + I-Ak. These clones most likely recognize an allogeneic class II antigen in the context of a class I antigen and therefore would more appropriately be included in the class I-restricted T cell population.     

Distinct proliferative T cell clonotypes are generated in response to a murine retrovirus-induced syngeneic T cell leukemia: viral gp70 antigen-specific MT4+ clones and Lyt-2+ cytolytic clones which recognize a tumor-specific cell surface antigen

After immunization of B6 mice with the syngeneic retrovirus-induced T cell leukemia/lymphoma FBL-3, two major tumor-specific proliferative T cell clonotypes were derived. T cell clones derived from long-term lines propagated by in vitro culture with irradiated tumor cells and syngeneic spleen cells were exclusively of the Lyt-2+ phenotype. Such clones were cytolytic, retained their proliferative phenotype indefinitely when expanded by repeated cycles of reactivation and rest, and recognized a tumor-specific cell surface antigen in association with class I MHC molecules. This tumor cell antigen was not present on nontransformed virus-infected cells. Class II MHC-restricted MT4+ clones specific for the viral antigen gp70 were derived from lymph node T cells of FBL-3 tumor-immune mice only by in vitro culture with purified Friend virus in the presence of syngeneic splenic APC. Once derived, however, such clones could be stimulated in the presence of FBL-3 tumor cells and syngeneic spleen cells, demonstrating the reprocessing of tumor-derived gp70 antigen by APC in the spleen cell population. In contrast, no reprocessing of the tumor cell surface antigen by splenic APC for presentation to the class I MHC-restricted T cell clones could be demonstrated. Evidence is presented that FBL-3 T leukemia/lymphoma cells function as APC for Lyt-2+ class I MHC-restricted clones, and that no concomitant recognition of Ia molecules is required to activate these clones. Both Lyt-2+ and MT4+ clones were induced to proliferate in the presence of exogenous IL2 alone, but this stimulus failed to result in significant release of immune interferon. In contrast, antigen stimulation of both clones resulted in proliferation as well as significant immune interferon release. Immune interferon production is not required for the generation of MHC-restricted cell-mediated cytolytic function.     

Cloned Listeria monocytogenes specific non-MHC-restricted Lyt-2+ T cells with cytolytic and protective activity

Mice were infected with Listeria monocytogenes and Lyt-2+ T cell clones capable of lysing Ag-primed bone marrow macrophages were established. In accordance with earlier findings obtained at the population level, some T cell clones were identified which lysed bone marrow macrophages of different MHC type provided the relevant Ag was present. This unusual target cell recognition was further analyzed using a T3+, L3T4-, Lyt-2+, F23+, KJ16+ T cell clone, designated L-28. Target cell lysis by this clone was Ag specific, apparently non-MHC restricted. In contrast, YAC cells and P815 cells were not lysed by clone L-28. However, lysis of irrelevant targets could be induced by anti-T3, F23, or KJ16 mAb. Furthermore, Ag-specific lysis was blocked by anti-Lyt-2 mAb and by F(ab)2 fragments of F23 mAb. In addition to its cytolytic activity, clone L-28 produced IFN-gamma after co-stimulation with accessory cells, Ag, and rIL-2 and conferred significant protection on recipient mice when given together with rIL-2. These data suggest that non-MHC-restricted Lyt-2+ killer cells generated during listeriosis are cytolytic T lymphocytes that interact with their target Ag via the T cell receptor/T3 complex and the Lyt-2 molecule and, furthermore, that these cells play a role in anti-listerial resistance. The possible relevance of IFN-gamma secretion and target cell lysis for antibacterial protection is discussed.     

Isolation and characterization of novel suppressor T cell clones from murine fetal thymus

Murine fetal thymus from C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J contains a cell population that suppresses CTL responses to alloantigens. This suppressor cell population was found to exist in high frequency in murine fetal thymus at the 14th day of gestation. The activity of this cell in the thymus declined rapidly with increasing time of gestation, and suppressor activity in the thymus was undetectable by the time of birth. On the other hand, suppressor activity could be detected in organ cultures of 14-day fetal thymus even after the organs were cultured for 14 or 21 days. Fetal thymocytes from B6 or DBA/2J mice were grown as long-term lines in interleukin 2 (IL 2)-containing medium. Clones of suppressor cells were derived from long-term cultures by micromanipulation. The clones had an average doubling time of 13 to 16 hr and were dependent on IL 2 for growth. The clones were 10- to 100-fold more efficient in suppressing CTL responses to alloantigens than day 15 fetal thymocytes. Analyses of cell surface molecules with the use of monoclonal antibodies and conventional anti-H-2 sera by radioactive binding assays showed that cloned suppressor cells from B6 fetal thymus were Thy-1 and Lyt-2+, and expressed little or no L3T4, Lyt-1, H-2K, H-2D, and class II molecules. The suppressor clones lacked the cytolytic activity of conventional CTL and also served as very poor target cells in CTL-mediated cytolysis. The suppressor function of the cloned cells was radiation-resistant, and this suppression could not be reversed by the addition of excess exogenous IL 2. The cloned cells suppressed CTL responses only when they were added within the first 48 hr of a 5-day culture period. Analyses of the antigen specificity of the suppressor cells showed that they suppressed CTL responses in a nonantigen-specific manner.     

Antibodies to the L3T4 and Lyt-2 molecules interfere with antigen receptor-driven activation of cloned murine T cells

When L3T4+ cloned murine helper T lymphocytes (HTL) are stimulated with antigen or immobilized anti-T cell receptor (TCR) monoclonal antibodies (mAb) at concentrations which are optimal for proliferation, anti-L3T4 mAb inhibits activation as measured by proliferation and lymphokine production. Under similar conditions, IL 2-independent proliferation of Lyt-2+ cloned murine cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) stimulated by anti-TCR mAb is inhibited by anti-Lyt-2 antibodies. Proliferation of cloned HTL and CTL cells stimulated by IL 2 is not affected by the anti-L3T4 and anti-Lyt-2 mAb. The inhibition of TCR-induced activation of the T cell clones is not due to interference with the binding of the anti-TCR mAb. Stimulation of the TCR has been proposed to induce lymphokine secretion and proliferation by T cells through a pathway involving the activation of protein kinase C and the stimulation of an increase in the concentration of intracellular free calcium. However, proliferation of T cells stimulated by PMA (which activates protein kinase C) plus the calcium ionophore A23187 (which increases the concentration of intracellular free calcium) is not affected by mAb reactive with the Lyt-2 or L3T4 structures. If TCR stimulation does indeed activate T cells by activating protein kinase and increasing intracellular free calcium, then our data suggest that anti-L3T4 and anti-Lyt-2 mAb inhibit TCR-driven proliferation at some step before the activation of protein kinase C and the stimulation of a rise in intracellular free calcium concentration. Our results suggest that anti-L3T4 and anti-Lyt-2 mAb interfere with early biochemical processes induced by stimulation of the TCR. In HTL, which proliferate via an autocrine pathway, anti-L3T4 mAb appears to inhibit proliferation by interfering with signaling events involved in lymphokine production. Inhibition of IL 2-independent proliferation of Lyt-2+ cells by anti-Lyt-2 mAb appears to occur by a different mechanism. The precise molecular basis for the interference of each cell type has not yet been characterized.     

Rapidly expanded activated human killer cell clones have strong antitumor cell activity and have the surface phenotype of either T gamma, T-non-gamma, or null cells

Cloned lymphoid cell lines showing cytolytic activity were derived from natural killer (NK) cell-enriched cell fractions obtained by fluorescence-activated cell sorting of cells that reacted with B73 .1, an NK cell-specific monoclonal antibody (MCA). The clones were cultured for more than 30 generations (i.e., more than 10(9) descendants from a single cell). The rapid expansion was achieved by using a special culture system developed for this purpose and based on the use of two types of allogeneic feeder cells. Three phenotypically different types of cytotoxic clones were obtained. These clones showed a broad spectrum of cytolytic activity against several NK-susceptible and NK-nonsusceptible tumor target cells. One of these clones had the following binding pattern to MCA: B73 .1+, T3-, T4-, T8-, HNK1 -, and Lyt-3-. These cells formed rosettes with IgG-coated erythrocytes but not with sheep erythrocytes, and therefore might be null cell-derived. Most of the cytotoxic clones showed the following phenotype: B73 .1+, T3-, T4-, T8-, HNK1 -, Lyt-3+, E+, and EA-gamma +. These clones were probably derived from T-gamma cells. In addition, one clone with cytolytic activity was derived from B73 .1- cells. This had the phenotype B73 .1-, T3+, T4-, T8-, HNK1 -, Lyt-3+, E+, and EA-gamma-, and may be of T-non-gamma cell origin. About 10 noncytolytic clones showed the phenotype B73 .1-, T3+, T4, or T8+, HNK1 -, Lyt-3+, Ia+, E+, and EA-gamma -. An absolute correlation was found between the presence of the B73 .1 antigen, the absence of the T3 marker, and the capacity of the cells to form EA rosettes. Furthermore, all clones except one (Lyt-3-) formed E rosettes. Although the in vitro life span varied from clone to clone, B73 .1- clones generally grew faster and for longer times (greater than or equal to 50 generations) than did B73 .1+ ones (less than or equal to 40 generations). The cytolytic activity, cell surface phenotype as determined with MCA, rosette formation, and target cell specificity spectrum remained stable over the entire culture period. We conclude that the majority of the activated MHC-nonrestricted cytolytic clones obtained in this culture system show a particular phenotype. These cells can be expanded to large numbers. Whether or not these clones might be derived from B73 .1+, HNK1 + NK cells with the morphologic appearance of large granular lymphocytes will be discussed.     

Effects of monoclonal antibodies directed against murine T lymphocyte cell surface antigens on lymphokine production by cloned T lymphocytes reactive with class I MHC or Mls alloantigens

Monoclonal antibodies recognizing murine T lymphocyte cell surface structures implicated in T lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis, including Lyt-2, L3T4, LFA-1, and a cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) clonotypic determinant, were used as probes to investigate the role of these structures in lymphokine production by T cell clones induced by antigen or lectin. The clone-specific antibody 384.5 bound to and inhibited antigen-induced lymphokine production by the L3 CTL clone, but did not affect lymphokine production by other T cell clones. Antibodies against the T cell surface structures Lyt-2 or L3T4, which are expressed by mutually exclusive T cell subsets, inhibited antigen-induced lymphokine production by class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen-reactive CTL clones or an M1s-reactive helper T lymphocyte (HTL) clone, respectively. Antibody against the broadly distributed LFA-1 molecule inhibited antigen-induced lymphokine production by all of the clones tested. Lectin-induced lymphokine production by cloned T cells was not inhibited by the clonotypic antibody, anti-Lyt-2, or anti-LFA-1; slight inhibition of the HTL clone was observed with the anti-L3T4 antibody. None of these structures appear to be uniquely involved with a particular functional response. Our results suggest that each of these structures is involved with the interactions between the effector cell and the stimulating cell leading to lymphokine production.     

PMA alone induces proliferation of some murine T cell clones but not others

The responses of cloned murine T cell lines to the phorbol ester, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), were investigated. PMA alone was able to stimulate proliferation of some clones but not others. Two Lyt-2+, cloned cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines proliferated in response to stimulation by PMA alone, but several L3T4+, cloned helper T lymphocyte (HTL) lines did not. In contrast, all clones tested released lymphokines in response to stimulation by the combination of PMA and the calcium ionophore A23187. Moreover, all clones proliferated in response to stimulation by the combination of PMA and A23187. The proliferation of HTL in response to PMA + A23187 could be completely inhibited either by cyclosporine A (CsA) or by PC61.5, a monoclonal antibody directed against the murine IL 2 receptor; however, the proliferation of CTL in response to PMA alone was not affected either by CsA or by PC61.5. These results suggest that of the murine T cell clones tested, HTL proliferate in response to stimulation via an IL 2-dependent, autocrine pathway; in contrast, CTL, in addition to an IL 2-dependent pathway, may possess an additional IL 2-independent pathway of proliferation. CTL that proliferate in response to stimulation by PMA alone may be useful models in the study of T cell proliferation.     

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.     

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.     

Antigen-specific Lyt-2+ cytolytic T lymphocytes from mice infected with the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes

In vitro expanded T cell lines were used to determine whether antigen-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes are generated after infection with the intracellular bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes. Spleen cells from infected mice were cultured in the presence of syngeneic accessory cells, listerial antigen, and interleukin 2 containing supernatants. Cell lines were greater than 98% Thy-1+, L3T4-, Lyt-2+. Bone-marrow macrophages were used as target cells in two in vitro cytolytic assay systems. The Lyt-2+ T cells killed bone marrow macrophages only when infected with L. monocytogenes as assessed in a 4-hr 51Cr release assay and in an 18-hr neutral red uptake assay. Cytolysis was blocked by anti-LFA-1 and anti-Lyt-2 monoclonal antibodies. These cytolytic T cells produced interferon-gamma after co-stimulation with antigen, accessory cells, and recombinant interleukin 2. Bone marrow macrophages infected with Mycobacterium bovis were not killed by T cells from L. monocytogenes-infected mice but by T cell lines from M. bovis-infected mice, indicating that cytolysis was antigen specific. L. monocytogenes-infected target cells of different haplotype were lysed by the Lyt-2+ T cells. By using a low cell density split culture system, antigen-specific, H-2-restricted cytolytic T cells could be identified. These findings demonstrate that during infection with intracellular bacteria, Lyt-2+ T cells with cytolytic activity are generated that may be involved in antibacterial protection.     

Production of interleukin 2, interleukin 3, and interferon by mouse T lymphocyte clones of Lyt-2+ and -2- phenotype

T lymphocyte clones were derived by stimulation of positively selected Lyt-2+ and Lyt-2- lymphocytes with Con A in an Interleukin 2 (IL 2)-enriched medium under conditions of limiting dilution. Forty clones were expanded and tested, after activation by Con A, for the production of IL 2, IL 3, and interferon (IFN). Thirteen Lyt-2- clones were all co-producers of IL 2 and IL 3, and 10/13 were also producers of IFN. Twenty-seven Lyt-2+ clones were much more heterogeneous, 13 being IL 2 and IL 3 nonproducers, whereas 14 produced variable and poorly correlated amounts of IL 2 and IL 3. Three Lyt-2+ clones were observed to produce IL 2 or IL 3 alone. The majority of the Lyt-2- (10/13) and of the Lyt 2+ (21/27) clones were also producers of IFN. Exogenous IL 2 added during the activation of the Lyt-2+ by Con A did not enhance IL 3 production, whereas it did enhance IFN production by some but not all Lyt-2+ clones. Thus, among the T lymphocytes of the Lyt-2+ and -2- phenotypes there are cells capable of releasing IL 2, IL 3, and IFN. This supports the concept that these phenotypes are associated with antigen recognition rather than with cell functions, but it is apparent that the functional capacities of individual T cells, if accurately represented by their clonal progeny, are far from uniform.     

The immunobiology of T cell responses to Mls-locus-disparate stimulator cells. III. Helper and cytolytic functions of cloned, Mls-reactive T cell lines

Mls-specific T cell clones derived by limiting dilution were tested for cytotoxic activity in a lectin-dependent 51Cr-release assay. All the T cell clones tested were cytotoxic in such an assay in apparent contrast to previous reports. However, only those target cells sensitive to cytolysis by other L3T4a+ cytolytic T cells were killed by Mls-specific T cell clones in short term 51Cr-release assays, possibly explaining this discrepancy. All the T cell clones tested were L3T4a+, Lyt-2- and stimulated B cells from Mlsa,d strains of mice to proliferate and secrete immunoglobulin. Furthermore, lysis of innocent bystander targets was observed when the T cells were stimulated with Mls-disparate stimulator cells. These results are consistent with those obtained with L3T4a+ T cells specific for protein antigen:self Ia and that express cytotoxic potential.     

Lyt-2- T cell-independent functions of Lyt-2+ cells stimulated with antigen or concanavalin A

Approximately 30% of cytolytic Lyt-2+ clones from primed mice are able to proliferate autonomously, i.e., independent of IL 2 derived from Lyt-2- cells after antigenic stimulation. H-2K- or -D-restricted induction of Lyt-2+ cells to autonomous proliferation requires Ia+ stimulator cells. A strict correlation was observed between the ability of Lyt-2+ clones to proliferative autonomously and to induce DH. Eventually, the growth of all Lyt-2+ cytolytic clones becomes dependent on exogenous IL 2, and their ability to induce DH is lost. Small Lyt-2+ cells can also be induced in primary cultures by antigen or concanavalin A to proliferate in the absence of exogenous IL 2. The frequency of autonomously proliferating small Lyt-2+ cells is the same as that of small Lyt-2+ cells proliferating in the presence of exogenous IL 2. IL 2 derived from Lyt-2- cells can augment proliferation of Lyt-2+ cells, but is not obligatory.     

Expression of H-2I region-restricted cytolytic activity by an Lyt-2+ influenza virus-specific T lymphocyte clone

The expression of Lyt-2 on T lymphocytes has been postulated to correlate closely with restriction by, or alloreactivity to, class I MHC gene products, whereas I region-restricted or alloreactive populations appear to be associated with Lyt-1 and L3T4 expression. However, exceptions to this axiom among alloreactive T cells have been shown to exist. In this report we describe a clonal population of influenza virus-specific T lymphocytes that bears the Lyt-2+, L3T4- phenotype. Notably, this clone is restricted in influenza virus recognition by class II MHC molecules and is cytolytic for virus-infected target cells expressing the appropriate class II molecules. Antibody directed to the Lyt-2 molecule does not inhibit cytolysis.     

Role of L3T4 antigen in the activation of various functions of Lyt-1+2- T cells against vaccinia virus

The present study defines assay systems for vaccinia virus-reactive Lyt-1+2- T cells mediating various functions and investigates the positivity of L3T4 antigen on these Lyt-1+2- T cells as well as the role of L3T4 antigen in the activation of these T cells with respect to their functions. C3H/He mice were immunized against vaccinia virus by inoculating viable virus intraperitoneally (i.p.). Anti-vaccinia virus reactivity in lymphoid cells from these immunized mice was assessed by proliferative response, helper T cell activities involved in cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and B cell (antibody) responses, delayed type-hypersensitivity (DTH) response, and production of lymphokines such as interleukin 2 (IL2) and macrophage-activating factor (MAF). The results demonstrate that all of the above anti-vaccinia virus responses were mediated by Lyt-1+2- T cells and that these Lyt-1+2- T cells expressed L3T4 antigens on their cell surfaces. Moreover, such anti-vaccinia Lyt-1+2- T cell responses were inhibited in the presence of anti-L3T4 antigen antibody. These results indicate that there is a reciprocal relationship between Lyt-2 and L3T4 markers, and that L3T4 antigen is closely related to the activation of various functions of anti-vaccinia virus Lyt-1+2- T cells.