Antigen-like effects of monoclonal antibodies directed at receptors on human T cell clones.
Recent studies suggested that the clonally unique Ti epitopes defined by non-cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies might represent the variable regions of the antigen receptor. Here we determine whether such anti-Ti antibodies could trigger clonal T cell activation. Anticlonotypic monoclonal antibodies to the 49/43-kdalton heterodimer of a given clone or antibodies to the 20/25-kdalton membrane associated monomorphic T3 molecule selectively induce proliferation and IL-2 secretion when linked to a solid support. In contrast, anti-T4 and anti-T8 antibodies under the same conditions have no effect. In conclusion, these results imply that anticlonotypic antibody functions in a fashion analogous to antigen and further support the notion that the T3-Ti molecular complex represents the antigen receptor on human T lymphocytes.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D002999:Clone Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell