T-lymphocytes in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Isolation of T-helper cell lines.
The role of T-lymphocytes in Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis (EAMG) was investigated. We generated highly purified, acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-specific T-cell populations and subsequently characterized these cell lines with respect to their membrane phenotype and their function. Using a series of mouse monoclonal antibodies directed against rat lymphocyte surface differentiation antigens, the vast majority of line cells was shown to express a leucocyte common antigen, a T-common antigen and a T-helper antigen. Small subpopulations were Ia or T suppressor antigen-positive. Adaptive transfer to sublethally irradiated, thymectomized recipients revealed that 1 X 10(6) AChR-specific line cells could cooperate effectively with 10 X 10(6) AChR-primed, complement (C3) receptor-bearing (B-cell enriched) spleen cells in the production of anti-AChR autoantibodies. Recipients of B-cells along with relevant line cells developed an acute myasthenic syndrome 6-7 days after cell transfer. Electron-microscopical examination revealed the typical features of "acute phase" EAMG with heavy mononuclear infiltration. There was, however, no evidence antibody-independent cytotoxic activity exerted by AChR-specific line cells.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000032:analysis; D000920:Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D002460:Cell Line; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009045:Motor Endplate / Q000276:immunology; D009115:Muridae; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000276:immunology*; D010641:Phenotype; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001323:Autoantibodies; D000939:Epitopes; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic