title: Lymphotoxin redux.
abstract: Lymphotoxin, (LT), a ymphokine released by activated lymphocytes, kills bystander cells such as fibroblasts and lymphocytes. Its production by mouse T cells is antigen-specific and restricted by MHC genes. It is also produced by human T4(+) and T8(+) cells and some B lymphoblastoid lines. Its action has been difficult to distinguish from that of other lymphokines, particularly the interferons, but its individuality has been emphasized by the recent cloning of the human LT gene. Here Nancy Ruddle discusses new insights into the nature of LT, its mechanism of action and its possible role in several kinds of tissue-damaging response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University Medical School, Box 3333, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
authors.forename: N H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Ruddle