title: Functional T-cell subset defined by cluster formation with EB virus transformed B-cells.
abstract: This study compares functional properties of T-cells capable of forming clusters with EB virus transformed B lymphoblastoid cells (B-LCL) as accessory cells (A-cells). T-cell functional properties examined include T-cell activation, interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and cell proliferation. In addition, functional properties were compared with the presence or absence of surface markers. T-cells were divided into those that formed clusters with the B-LCL (clustered T-cells) and those that failed to form clusters (nonclustered T-cells). Each subpopulation of T-cells was also incubated with B-LCL and Concanavalin A (Con A) to test for changes in proliferative capabilities. Functional studies indicated that IL-2 activity was higher in the culture supernatant fluids from clustered T-cells than nonclustered T-cells. Spontaneous proliferation of clustered T-cells was equivalent to proliferation of clustered T-cells stimulated with Con A or human IL-2. However, weak spontaneous proliferation by non clustered T cells was enhanced after culturing with Con A or human IL-2. The nonclustered T-cells also produced less IL-2 in cultures containing both B-LCL or Con A. Quantification of T-cell surface markers showed that the expression of Tac antigen was greater on the clustered T-cells than on the nonclustered T-cells. These data suggest that functionally different T-cell subsets can be identified and isolated by their capacity to form clusters with B-LCL A-cells.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Internal Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kubo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hayama
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sawada
mesh_terms: D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000502:physiology; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D002449:Cell Aggregation; D002455:Cell Division; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface; D007376:Interleukin-2; D003208:Concanavalin A