Interferon-gamma production by Listeria monocytogenes-specific T cells active in cellular antibacterial immunity.
Cultures of peritoneal exudate T lymphocyte-enriched cells (PETLEC) from Listeria monocytogenes-immune mice, antigen-presenting cells (APC) and heat-killed L. monocytogenes produced high amounts of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). High IFN titers were also observed after stimulation of L. monocytogenes-immune cell cultures with the T cell mitogens concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin. L. monocytogenes-immune PETLEC produced several fold higher IFN titers than normal cell cultures in response to mitogen and antigen. Under both circumstances, APC were required for optimum responses. L. monocytogenes-immune PETLEC participating in IFN production were Lyt 1+23-. IFN-gamma was also produced in cultures of cloned L. monocytogenes-specific T cells. Since the same T cell clone showed antigen-specific proliferative responses and interleukin production in vitro, and could adoptively mediate delayed-type hypersensitivity and anti-listerial protection in vivo, it is suggested that IFN production is a function of specific T cells active in cellular antibacterial immunity.
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002999:Clone Cells; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000235:genetics*; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000276:immunology*; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D010641:Phenotype; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D007371:Interferon-gamma