Antigen-induced production of lymphokines by human T cell clones specific for hepatitis B surface antigen.
The secretion of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), and B cell growth factor (BCGF) by human T cell clones specific for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was examined. Antigenic stimulation by HBsAg but not by influenza A virus resulted in IFN-gamma and BCGF synthesis by the T cell clones. No detectable amounts of IL-2 were obtained in the supernatants of any of the HBsAg-specific T cell clones when cultured in the presence or absence of antigen. IFN-gamma and BCGF were produced, even when cell proliferation was inhibited, suggesting that the secretion of these T cell factors occurred regardless of cell proliferation. The significance of the various factors in the immune response against hepatitis B virus infection is discussed.
D002999:Clone Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015847:Interleukin-4; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D006133:Growth Substances; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D007376:Interleukin-2; D008222:Lymphokines; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma