title: Cytotoxic T-cell activation by polyribonucleotides: DNA synthesis is not required.
abstract: We have shown that cytotoxic T cells can be polyclonally activated by a short exposure to complexes of polyadenylic:polyuridylic acid (poly A:U). Activation is optimal at a dose of 100 microgram/ml poly A:U and occurs during a 2 h incubation period in the absence of antigen. Killing of allogeneic, but not syngeneic, target cells can be observed after 12 h in culture and peaks after 21-24 h in the absence of any nonspecific binding ligand. The observed cytotoxicity is mediated by T lymphocytes and dose not require accessory macrophages or DNA synthesis for the activation or expression of effector functions. These results suggest that few requirements exist for the activation of cytotoxic T cells.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007700:Kinetics; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008937:Mitomycins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011063:Poly A-U / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D008937:Mitomycins; D003208:Concanavalin A; D011063:Poly A-U; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D004247:DNA