Helper cell-independent cytolytic T lymphocytes specific for a minor histocompatibility antigen.
We have isolated several anti-H-2Db-restricted cytolytic T cell clones specific for the minor histocompatibility antigen, H-1, from a long-term B10.129(5M) anti-C57BL/6 mixed leukocyte culture. All proliferate significantly, in the absence of exogenously added lymphokine, and in a specific manner to H-2Db-compatible stimulator cells that carry the appropriate H-1 minor antigen. Moreover, significant proliferation also occurs when T cell-depleted stimulator cells are used as the antigenic stimulus, indicating that the proliferative capacity of these clones is not the result of T cell factors produced by the stimulator cells. After concanavalin A stimulation, IL 2-like lymphokine activity can be detected from the one clone tested, 5M/B6-5. These data demonstrate the existence of antigen-driven, helper T cell-independent cytolytic T cell clones responsive to a single minor histocompatibility antigen. The implications of this finding are discussed.
D000818:Animals; D002999:Clone Cells / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D000939:Epitopes / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008912:Minor Histocompatibility Loci; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
D000939:Epitopes; D007376:Interleukin-2