T cells recognizing polysaccharide-specific B cells function as contrasuppressor cells in the generation of T cell immunity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The cellular interactions involved in the development of T cell-mediated immunity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been examined. T cell immunity can be generated by immunizing mice with 10 micrograms of P. aeruginosa polysaccharide (PS) plus the antimitotic agent vinblastine sulfate. Vinblastine is required to inactivate a population of Ts cells generated by immunization with 10 micrograms of PS alone. Immunization with either live bacteria or with higher dose (50 micrograms) of PS without vinblastine also generates T cell immunity; these protocols activate a population of Lyt-1+, 2-, I-J+ T cells which, like vinblastine, counteract the effect of Ts cells. Immunization with 10 micrograms PS alone fails to activate this T cell subpopulation. When administered at the time of immunization, this subpopulation can render the tolerogenic 10-micrograms immunization protocols immunogenic. Like previously described contrasuppressor T cells, this T cell subpopulation exhibits an affinity for the lectin Vicia villosa. We have determined, however, that the T cells that act as contrasuppressor cells in this system are directly activated by PS-immune B cells and not by PS Ag. Furthermore, their activity can be removed by adsorption to PS-specific B cell hybridomas. Our studies indicate an important role for B cells in the development of T cell immunity to P. aeruginosa and suggest that a complex idiotype network controls the development of this response.