title: Identification of transcripts of the T cell antigen receptor beta chain gene and major histocompatibility complex class II genes in antigen-presenting cloned BK-BI-2.6.C6 cells.
abstract: The cloned murine cell line BK-BI-2.6.C6 has previously been shown to exhibit T cell characteristics, to synthesize and express MHC class II molecules, and to present protein antigens to antigen-dependent T cell clones. As a more definitive proof of the T-cell nature of these cells, transcripts of the rearranged T cell antigen receptor (TcR) beta gene were assessed by Northern blot analysis. BK-BI-2.6.C6 cells constitutively transcribe mRNA for the light chain of TcR and express the disulphide-linked alpha, beta TcR heterodimer at the cell surface. In addition mRNA for the polymorphic MHC class II subunits A alpha and A beta as well as for the invariant gamma chain were detected. BK-BI-2.6.C6 T cells effectively stimulated bovine insulin-reactive T hybridoma cells to lymphokine production in the presence of this antigen. Since the antigen-presenting and the responding T cell populations are maintained in culture in the absence of feeder cells, contamination by conventional accessory cells is excluded. These data unequivocally demonstrate that cloned murine Ia-expressing T cells can act as antigen-presenting accessory cells.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D002460:Cell Line; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006825:Hybridomas / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta