The mediators of acquired resistance to Listeria monocytogenes are contained within a population of cytotoxic T cells.
T cells from peritoneal exudates induced in rats convalescing from a recent infection of Listeria monocytogenes were fractionated into two subsets based on their ability to bind monoclonal antibodies to cell-surface determinants that are expressed on some but not all peripheral T cells. Two phenotypically distinct subsets, one recognized by the antibody MRC OX8 and the other by W3/25, were assayed for their protective capacity in Listeria-challenged recipients, and for their ability to kill unmodified syngeneic fibroblasts in vitro. The two activities were mediated by the OX8+ subset which comprised approximately half the T cells in the exudates.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface