title: T lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against autologous EBV-genome-bearing B cells.
abstract: We have stimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro with autologous EBV-infected or noninfected B cells. A cytotoxic response was obtained only when virally infected cells were used. The activity of the effector cells was restricted by the major histocompatibility complex and was directed against EBV-genome-bearing targets. The highest cytolytic response was obtained when lymphocytes of individuals previously exposed to the virus (EBV-VCA positive) were used. Lymphocytes of noninfected donors (EBV-VCA negative) gave a low response; the relative frequency of their effector cells was at least 4-fold lower. Lymphocytes of newborns did not respond. The cytotoxic activity was mediated by T lymphocytes of the cytotoxic/suppressor subset, as determined by cytofluorographic analysis and antibody plus complement-mediated lysis, using monoclonal antibodies to human lymphocyte surface antigen.
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies; D001402:B-Lymphocytes; D002051:Burkitt Lymphoma / Q000276:immunology*; D002999:Clone Cells / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D000939:Epitopes; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000939:Epitopes