A dominant negative Fas-associated death domain protein mutant inhibits proliferation and leads to impaired calcium mobilization in both T-cells and fibroblasts

Death domain-containing members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family ("death receptors") can induce apoptosis upon stimulation by their natural ligands or by agonistic antibodies. Activated death receptors recruit death domain adapter proteins like Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), and this ultimately leads to proteolytic activation of the caspase cascade and cell death. Recently, FADD has also been implicated in the regulation of proliferation; functional inhibition of FADD results in p53-dependent impairment of proliferation in activated T-cells. In this study we have further analyzed T-cells derived from transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative FADD mutant (FADD DN) under control of the lck promoter in vitro so as to identify the signaling pathways that become engaged upon T-cell receptor stimulation and that are regulated by death receptors. FADD DN expression inhibits T-cell proliferation, both at the G(0) --> S transition and in the G(1) phase of continuously proliferating cells. We observe a decrease in the release of calcium from intracellular stores after T-cell receptor stimulation, whereas influx of extracellular calcium seems to be unaffected. FADD DN-expressing fibroblasts show a similarly inhibited cell growth and impaired calcium mobilization indicating that the modulation of proliferation and calcium response by death receptors is not cell type-specific.     

A conserved coronavirus epitope, critical in virus neutralization, mimicked by internal-image monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Monoclonal antibody (MAb) 6A.C3 neutralizes transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) and is specific for a conserved epitope within subsite Ac of the spike (S) glycoprotein of TGEV. Six hybridomas secreting anti-idiotypic (Ab2) MAbs specific for MAb 6A.C3 (Ab1) have been selected. All six MAbs inhibited the binding of Ab1 to TGEV and specifically cross-linked MAb1-6A.C3. Four of these hybridomas secreted gamma-type anti-idiotypic MAbs. The other two Ab2s (MAbs 9A.G3 and 9C.E11) were recognized by TGEV-specific antiserum induced in two species. This binding was inhibited by viruses of the TGEV group but not by serologically unrelated coronaviruses. These results indicate that MAb2-9A.G3 and MAb2-9C.E11 mimic an antigenic determinant present on the TGEV surface, and they were classified as beta-type ("internal-image") MAbs. TGEV-binding Ab3 antiserum was induced in 100% of mice immunized with the two beta-type MAb2s and in 25 to 50% of mice immunized with gamma-type MAb2. Both beta- and gamma-type Ab2s induced neutralizing Ab3 antibodies in mice that were mainly directed to antigenic subsite Ac of the S protein.     

The functional significance, distribution, and structure of LFA-1, LFA-2, and LFA-3: cell surface antigens associated with CTL-target interactions

Three cell surface antigens associated with the cytolytic T lymphocyte(CTL)-target cell interaction were identified by generation of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against OKT4+, HLA-DR-specific CTL and selection for inhibition of cytolysis in a 51Cr-release assay. These MAb block cytolysis by both OKT4+ and OKT8+ CTL and the proliferative responses to PHA and the mixed lymphocyte response (MLR). LFA-1 is an antigen widely distributed on lymphoid tissues and is composed of two polypeptides of 177,000 and 95,000 Mr on all cell types studied. Anti-LFA-1 MAb block NK cell-mediated cytolysis in addition to T lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity and proliferation. LFA-2 (Mr = 55,000 to 47,000), a determinant on the sheep red blood cell receptor, is expressed by T cells but not B cells and appears specific for T cell functions. LFA-3 (Mr = 60,000) is a widely distributed antigen present on both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic tissues and appears to only be involved in T cell functions. MAb to LFA-1 and LFA-2 inhibit function by binding to effector cell surface molecules, whereas anti-LFA-3 MAb appear to block by binding to the target cells. Together with previously described molecules, LFA-1, LFA-2, and LFA-3 demonstrate the complexity of CTL-mediated cytotoxicity at the molecular level.     

The role of lymphokine-activated cell-associated antigen: III. Inhibition of T-cell activation by monoclonal killer-blocking antibody

The addition of monoclonal killer blocking antibodies (KBA MAb) to cultured T cells resulted in significant inhibition of T-cell responses to concanavalin A (Con A), class I antigen and class II antigen, whereas T-cell responses to phytohemagglutinin are insensitive to KBA MAb. The inhibitory effect of KBA MAb is observed only when KBA MAb is added to the culture at an early time. This indicates that the lymphokine-activated cell-associated antigen (LAA) defined by KBA MAb plays an important role in the early stages of T-cell activation. Con A-induced interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor acquisition and IL-2 production, both of which are required for the early steps of T-cell activation, were greatly inhibited by KBA MAb. However, KBA MAb did not inhibit the action of IL-2, which is required for later stages of T-cell activation.     

Enhanced radioimmunotherapeutic efficacy of a monoclonal antibody cocktail against SMMC—7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma

The improved tumoricidal effect of the radioantibody mixture (“cocktail”)has been reported recently for the treatment of colon tumor.In the present study,we demonstrated the enhanced radioimmunotherapeutic efficacy of a monoclonal antibody (MAb) cocktail against human hepatocellular carcinoma.Therapeutic efficacy was determined by measuring the change in tumor size over a period,determining the percentage of growth inhibition of each treatment at various times after radioantibody therapy.Radioimmunotherapy of SMMC-7721 human hepatoma xenografts in athymic unde mice with combination of ^131Ilabeled Hepama-1 and ^131 I-labeled 9403 mouse MAbs was more effective than using either Hepeam-1 or 9403 MAb alone The MAb cocktail could target a greater number of hepatoma cells and increase the magnitude of hepatoma cell uptake of radioantibodies.The in vitro results explain the enhanced effect of the MAb cocktail in in vivo model system.     

Reduced expression of HLA class II molecules and Iinterleukin-10- and transforming growth factor beta1-independent suppression of T-cell proliferation in human cytomegalovirus-infected macrophage cultures

After a primary infection, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes lifelong latency in myeloid lineage cells, and the virus has developed several mechanisms to avoid immune recognition and destruction of infected cells. In this study, we show that HCMV utilizes two different strategies to reduce the constitutive expression of HLA-DR, -DP, and -DQ on infected macrophages and that infected macrophages are unable to stimulate a specific CD4+ T-cell response. Downregulation of the HLA class II molecules was observed in 90% of the donor samples and occurred in two phases: at an early (1 day postinfection [dpi]) time point postinfection and at a late (4 dpi) time point postinfection. The early inhibition of HLA class II expression and antigen presentation was not dependent on active virus replication, since UV-inactivated virus induced downregulation of HLA-DR and inhibition of T-cell proliferation at 1 dpi. In contrast, the late effect required virus replication and was dependent on the expression of the HCMV unique short (US) genes US1 to -9 or US11 in 77% of the samples. HCMV-treated macrophages were completely devoid of T-cell stimulation capacity at 1 and 4 dpi. However, while downregulation of HLA class II expression was rather mild, a 66 to 90% reduction in proliferative T-cell response was observed. This discrepancy was due to undefined soluble factors produced in HCMV-infected cell cultures, which did not include interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta1. These results suggest that HCMV reduces expression of HLA class II molecules on HCMV-infected macrophages and inhibits T-cell proliferation by different distinct pathways.     

Alpha and lambda interferon together mediate suppression of CD4 T cells induced by respiratory syncytial virus

The mechanism by which respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) suppresses T-cell proliferation to itself and other antigens is poorly understood. We used monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC) and CD4 T cells and measured [(3)H]thymidine incorporation to determine the factors responsible for RSV-induced T-cell suppression. These two cell types were sufficient for RSV-induced suppression of T-cell proliferation in response to cytomegalovirus or Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. Suppressive activity was transferable with supernatants from RSV-infected MDDC and was not due to transfer of live virus or RSV F (fusion) protein. Supernatants from RSV-infected MDDC, but not MDDC exposed to UV-killed RSV or mock conditions, contained alpha interferon (IFN-alpha; median, 43 pg/ml) and IFN-lambda (approximately 1 to 20 ng/ml). Neutralization of IFN-alpha with monoclonal antibody (MAb) against one of its receptor chains, IFNAR2, or of IFN-lambda with MAb against either of its receptor chains, IFN-lambdaR1 (interleukin 28R [IL-28R]) or IL-10R2, had a modest effect. In contrast, blocking the two receptors together markedly reduced or completely blocked the RSV-induced suppression of CD4 T-cell proliferation. Defining the mechanism of RSV-induced suppression may guide vaccine design and provide insight into previously uncharacterized human T-cell responses and activities of interferons.     

Differences between macrophage migration inhibitions by lymphokines and muramyl dipeptide (MDP) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS): migration enhancement by lymphokines

To investigate the repertoire of molecules which are associated with cytolytic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated killing, function-blocking monoclonal antibodies (MAb) have been selected and characterized. Spleen cells from rats immunized with secondary mouse CTL were fused with mouse myeloma cells. Antibodies secreted by 2400 hybrid cultures were selected solely by their ability to block CTL-mediated killing in a mouse anti-rat xenogeneic system. Fifteen cultures with antibodies which blocked CTL-mediated killing were chosen for cloning and further characterized by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence flow cytometry. One group of five monoclonal antibodies recognized the Lyt-2,3 molecule of 35,000 M_r. The second group of six MAb recognized the LFA-1 antigen containing two subunits of 180,000 and 95,000 M_r. One MAb giving only partial inhibition of killing was an IgM anti-Thy-1. It strongly agglutinated CTL. The target antigens defined by three other MAb were not definitively identified. Competition in cell binding between anti-Lyt-2,3 and anti-LFA-1 MAb suggested that their blocking effect in cytolysis is due to binding to distinct and spatially separate molecules on effector cells. The results of direct screening for functional blockade support the important role of Lyt-2,3 and LFA-1 molecules in T-cell-mediated cytolysis.     

Administration of F(ab')2 fragments of monoclonal antibody to L3T4 inhibits humoral immunity in mice without depleting L3T4+ cells

Treatment of mice with monoclonal antibody (MAb) to L3T4 blocks the humoral immune response to antigens administered when L3T4+ cells are depleted. To determine whether depletion of target cells is required to suppress immunity, we examined the effect of treatment with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-L3T4 on the response of BALB/c mice to immunization with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in complete Freund's adjuvant. Treatment with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-L3T4 every 2 days (1 mg i.p.) beginning at the time of immunization significantly inhibited production of anti-BSA antibodies without depleting target cells. A single injection of anti-L3T4 fragments at the time of immunization also significantly inhibited production of anti-BSA antibodies, but was not as effective as repeated administration of the MAb fragments (75% inhibition compared with 98% inhibition; p less than 0.05). Moreover, one injection of anti-L3T4 fragments stimulated a host immune response to the rat MAb, whereas sustained therapy with the anti-L3T4 fragments blocked this response. Surprisingly, low doses (less than or equal to 10 micrograms/mouse) of intact rat MAb to L3T4 also stimulated a host immune response to the MAb but, as previously reported, higher doses of intact MAb to L3T4 did not. These findings establish that depletion of L3T4+ cells is not required to suppress immunity with MAb to L3T4. They also indicate that the ability of rat MAb to L3T4 to block the immune response to itself is dose dependent. Because the L3T4 antigen in mice is homologous to the CD4 antigen in humans, our findings have implications regarding the potential use of MAb to CD4 in humans.     

In vitro and in vivo activated T cells display increased sensitivity to PGE2.

In this study we report that in vitro activation of T cells increased the cyclic AMP response to subsequent prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulation severalfold per cell. This sensitization of T cells to PGE2-induced cyclic AMP generation was observed when the T cells had been stimulated in vitro for 5 days with either the CD3 monoclonal antibody OKT3, phytohemagglutinin, or the combination phytohemagglutinin plus the phorbol ester PMA. Enhanced cyclic AMP generation following mitogenic activation was seen in response to both PGE2 and forskolin, direct activator of the adenylate cyclase, indicating that the amount of adenylate cyclase had increased during the in vitro activation course. In order to investigate whether various T cell subsets in general and in vivo activated T cells in particular would differ in their susceptibility to PGE2, we isolated CD4+, CD8+, CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD45RO+ ("memory"), and CD4+CD45RA+ ("virgin") T cells and studied PGE2-mediated inhibition of CD3-induced proliferation, as well as cyclic AMP generation in response to PGE2, respectively. We found that CD8+ T cells are more susceptible to PGE2 inhibition and produce more cyclic AMP than CD4+ T cells. Double-negative T cells (enriched for gamma delta T cell receptor positive cells) were found to be sensitive to PGE2 as well. Within the CD4+ T cell population, CD45RO+ ("memory") T cells were significantly more sensitive to PGE2-mediated suppression than CD45RA+ ("virgin") T cells. CD45RO+ cells required a 10-fold lower dose of PGE2 for half-maximum suppression of proliferation. However, no difference in cyclic AMP production could be demonstrated between these two subsets. We propose that substantial heterogeneity exists among peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets regarding their sensitivity to the immunosuppressive action of PGE2 and that the sensitivity of individual cells changes in the course of an immune response.     

Segmental homology between T-cell receptors and immunoglobulin variable regions: evidence that antisera to synthetic JH1 peptide react with murine and human T-cell products

To determine precisely the nature of serological determinants shared between T-cell surface molecules and immunoglobulin variable regions, the capacity of antisera directed against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the entire JH 1 region of classical immunoglobulin plus five residues of the D region were tested for their capacity to bind to T-cell membranes and isolated T-cell products. The anti-JH 1 antisera reacted with normal and monoclonal in vitro grown T-cell lines as judged by microhemagglutination and binding in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Immunologically cross-reactive membrane components disclosed by immunoblot transfer analysis ("Western blots") consisted of major components in the molecular weight range 30-35,000 and minor components in the range 65-70,000. The major product of the human T-cell leukemia line MOLT-3 had an approximate mass of 34,000 Da, a value consistent with the predicted size of the molecule specified by the recently described putative T-cell receptor gene YT35. The 65 to 70,000-Da components are most probably tightly associated dimers of the 30 to 35,000-Da forms. It was possible to align the JH sequences of molecules reactive with the anti-JH 1 antisera and other characterized VH sequences of molecules known to be cross-reactive with T-cell products. This facilitated a comparison disclosing clear segmental homology between the protein sequence derived from the YT35 gene and immunoglobulin VH framework regions sharing approximately 50% of sequence identity. The identification of VH-related T-cell products (termed VT-bearing molecules) with products of putative T-cell receptor genes gained further support by N-terminal sequence of the 68,000-Da product of the 70-N2 T-cell line which showed homology to the predicted N-terminal region of the YT35 product. These serological and protein chemical data, coupled with the comparison to gene sequence, show that T-cell components that bear serological determinants cross-reactive with VH show segmental homology with products of putative T-cell receptor genes and immunoglobulin VH.     

Role of the L3T4 antigen in T-cell activation. I. Description of a monoclonal IgM antibody to a distinct epitope (L3T4b) of the L3T4 antigen and its effect on interleukin 1-induced thymocyte proliferation

This report describes a new rat monoclonal IgM/k antibody, monoclonal antibody (MAb) 2B6, which reacts with a cell surface antigen present on a subpopulation of both thymocytes (85%) and peripheral T lymphocytes (55-60%). The antigen recognized by MAb 2B6 has multiple properties in common with the L3T4 antigen, as defined by the recently described MAb GK1.5. Thus, MAb 2B6 and MAb GK1.5 give very similar flow cytometry staining patterns on thymocytes, purified spleen T cells and all tested T-cell hybridomas. Depletion of MAb 2B6-positive cells with antibody and complement led to simultaneous depletion of MAb GK1.5-positive cells, and vice versa. Depletion of Lyt 2-positive cells led to enrichment of both MAb 2B6- and MAb GK1.5-positive cells. Both MAb 2B6 and MAb GK1.5 immunoprecipitate the same pattern of cell surface molecules from detergent extracts of radiolabeled thymocytes, the main components being a 55-kDa and a 115-kDa band. We therefore conclude that MAb 2B6 reacts with the L3T4 antigen. Interestingly, MAb 2B6 and MAb GK1.5 do not cross-block and therefore most probably react with distinct epitopes on the L3T4 molecule. The determinant recognized by MAb GK1.5 is called L3T4a. We suggest that the determinant recognized by MAb 2B6 be named L3T4b. As MAb 2B6 was selected for its ability to inhibit the action of interleukin 1 (IL-1) in the thymocyte costimulator assay, it is likely that the L3T4 molecule is functionally involved in the events taking place during IL-1 induction of thymocyte proliferation.     

Different roles of the CD2 and LFA-1 T-cell co-receptors for regulating cytotoxic, proliferative, and cytokine responses of human V gamma 9/V delta 2 T cells

BACKGROUND: Human V gamma 9/V delta 2 T lymphocytes recognize nonpeptidic antigens in a manner distinct from the classical antigen recognition by alpha beta T cells. The apparent lack of major histocompatibility (MHC) restriction and antigen processing allows very fast responses against pathogenic insults. To address the potential functional requirement for accessory molecules, we investigated the roles of the CD2 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 T-cell co-receptors in antigen-induced activities of human V gamma 9/V delta 2 T-cell clones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human peripheral blood V gamma 9/V delta 2 T lymphocytes were cloned and their cytotoxicity against Daudi lymphoma was measured by a standard 51Cr-release assay. The responses of V gamma 9/V delta 2 T lymphocytes to nonpeptidic antigens were assessed using DNA synthesis and cytokine ELISA assays. Monoclonal antibodies specific for various molecules with potential T-cell accessory functions were utilized in blocking assays. RESULTS: All of our V gamma 9/V delta 2 T-cell clones displayed the Th1 phenotype. The anti-LFA-1 antibody strongly inhibited the cytotoxicity of V gamma 9/V delta 2 T cells against Daudi B-cell lymphoma; whereas, it had no influence on the antigen-induced cytokine release or proliferation. In contrast, antibodies against CD2 and LFA-3 had no effect on the lytic activity of V gamma 9/V delta 2 T cells, but strongly inhibited the cytokine release and proliferation. However, the CD2-LFA-3 interaction was not an absolute requirement for the cytokine release and the DNA synthetic activity of antigen-stimulated V gamma 9/V delta 2 T cells, since the inhibitory effect could be reversed by addition of exogenous interleukin 2 (IL-2). CONCLUSIONS: These novel observations indicate that the signals generated by different accessory molecules and IL-2 can contribute in an integrated fashion to the regulation of V gamma 9/V delta 2 T cells. These interactions may be important for the effectiveness of V gamma 9/V delta 2 T-cell responses.     

CD3 pathway of T-cell activation. II. Role of HLA-class I molecules in early events

The role of distinct regions of HLA class I molecules in regulating T-cell activation via the CD3-antigen receptor complex was investigated. Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) which recognize monomorphic and polymorphic epitopes on HLA Class I molecules were shown to inhibit T-cell proliferation to OKT3. These MoAbs have differential effects on the synthesis of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-2 receptor expression. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that these MoAbs function both in inhibiting cell cycle entry (G0-G1 shift) and in blocking cell cycle progression (G1-S shift) of activated T cells. Furthermore, these MoAbs have regulatory effects on the alternate pathway of T-cell activation via the CD2 molecule, T-cell activation induced by PHA, and activation induced by the phorbol ester PMA in conjunction with the calcium ionophore Ionomycin. Thus these MoAbs have different effects depending upon the pathway of T-cell activation. The results indicate that HLA class I molecules are selectively involved in the sequence of intracellular events leading to T-cell activation and proliferation.     

Inhibitory epidermal pentapeptide modulates proliferation and differentiation of transformed mouse epidermal cells in vitro.

A transformed mouse epidermal cell line ("308 cells") and nontransformed rat tongue squamous epithelial cells ("RT10 cells") were treated 3 times weekly for a period of two weeks with relatively large doses (150 micrograms/ml) of a synthetic inhibitory epidermal pentapeptide; pyroGlu-Glu-Asp-Ser-GlyOH. The peptide was recently isolated from mouse skin extracts and inhibits normal epidermal cells in vivo and in vitro at a restricted and low dose level. Repeated treatments with the large dose was followed by a 30-40% reduction in the number of 308 cells per well, starting as early as day 1. The number of RT10 cells was reduced about 20% only at termination of the experiment on day 14. In contrast to this, the number of unattached cornified envelopes on day 10 in the RT10 cells was increased by 85%, while the number of cornified, unattached 308 cells was similar to that in the controls. The effects of the pentapeptide thus seem to affect differentiation stronger than proliferation in the nontransformed cell line. Bivariate BrdUrd/DNA flow cytometry analysis on day 10 indicated that the reduced number of 308 cells was mainly due to a slower rate of cell proliferation and not to a increased sloughing off of keratinized cells. This analysis also demonstrated that an inhibition of DNA synthesis in the RT10 cells could be detected prior to a reduction of the cell number per well.     

Alpha and beta subunits of the LFA-1 membrane molecule are involved in human monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion

Human monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium is an important transitional event in mononuclear phagocyte development. The molecular mechanism involved in monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells was studied using purified human monocytes and a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAb). The purified human monocytes were phenotypically characterized and expressed relatively low levels of HLA class II antigens. The monocytes were labeled with Indium-111 to provide high specific activity and a sensitive measure of adhesion. Using this radionuclide adhesion assay, monocytes demonstrated consistent and reproducible adhesion to a confluent monolayer of human umbilical vein-derived endothelial cells. To identify the cell surface molecules involved in human monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, 15 MAb to 11 monocyte surface structures were used to attempt to inhibit adhesion. MAb recognizing 10 monocyte cell surface molecules did not inhibit adhesion. In contrast, MAb recognizing the alpha and beta subunits of LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated) significantly inhibited monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Monocyte adhesion was comparably inhibited by F(ab')2 and intact MAb. Significant inhibition was observed at 5 micrograms/ml of anti-LFA-1 MAb. These results indicate that the alpha and beta subunits of the LFA-1 membrane molecule are involved in human monocyte-endothelial cell adhesions.     

Gene clusters for S fimbrial adhesin (sfa) and F1C fimbriae (foc) of Escherichia coli: comparative aspects of structure and function.

Fimbrial adhesins enable bacteria to attach to eucaryotic cells. The genetic determinants for S fimbrial adhesins (sfa) and for F1C ("pseudotype I") fimbriae (foc) were compared. Sfa and F1C represent functionally distinct adhesins in their receptor specificities. Nevertheless, a high degree of homology between both determinants was found on the basis of DNA-DNA hybridizations. Characteristic differences in the restriction maps of the corresponding gene clusters, however, were visible in regions coding for the fimbrial subunits and for the S-specific adhesin. While a plasmid carrying the genetic determinant for F1C fimbriae was able to complement transposon-induced sfa mutants, a plasmid carrying the genetic determinant for a third adhesin type, termed P fimbriae, was unable to do so. Proximal sfa-specific sequences carrying the S fimbrial structural gene were fused to sequences representing the distal part of the foc gene cluster to form a hybrid cluster, and the foc proximal region coding for the structural protein was ligated to sfa distal sequences to form a second hybrid. Both hybrid clones produced intact fimbriae. Anti-F1C monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) only recognized clones which produced F1C fimbriae, and an anti-S adhesin MAb marked clones which expressed the S adhesin. However, one of four other anti-S fimbriae-specific MAbs reacted with both fimbrial structures, S and F1C, indicating a common epitope on both antigens. The results presented here support the view that sfa and foc determinants code for fimbriae that are similar in several aspects, while the P fimbriae are members of a more distantly related group.     

T cell activation via CD2 [T, gp50] molecules: accessory cells are required to trigger T cell activation via CD2-D66 plus CD2-9.6/T11(1) epitopes

Binding monoclonal antibodies (MAb) both to D66 and 9.6/T11(1) epitopes on the CD2 [T,gp50]-defined molecule produces a high level of T cell mitosis. This was observed with a battery of MAb of different isotypes. In contrast, none of the anti-D66 or anti-9.6/T11(1)Ab could trigger T cell proliferation in combination with anti-T11(3). Moreover, all anti-D66-9.6/T11(1) pairs of MAb tested required monocytes to activate T cells which were recruited through their Fc receptors. Variations among normal individuals were observed in the level of response to anti-D66-9.6/T11(1) pairs of Ab, 75% of a population of French Caucasians giving a high response. The level of response of a given individual was determined by his accessory cells. However, the level of response of an individual appeared to be minimally influenced by the isotype of a peculiar anti-D66 or anti-9.6/T11(1) Ab. The addition of exogeneous IL 2 could overcome the removal of accessory cells or the modulation of CD3 molecules. In contrast, IL 2 receptor appearance was not overcome by removal of monocytes. Thus, T cell activation via CD2 seems to be produced by "touching" several definite regions of this molecule which trigger a cascade of events similar to those produced by mitogenic lectins. One can assume that the appropriate conformational changes of the CD2 molecule induced by anti-D66-9.6/T11(1) pairs of Ab are solely produced when they are presented by accessory cells. This leaves open the question of whether accessory cells would also play a more active role.