The dissociation of interleukin-2 production and antigen-specific helper activity by clonal analysis

Immunology. 1983 Nov;50(3):397-405.

Abstract

Influenza virus immune human T-lymphocyte clones maintained in continuous culture in TCGF were analysed for helper activity and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. The clones that functioned as helper cells in the production of specific antibody failed to release detectable amounts of IL-2. Conversely, the T cells that produced IL-2 were unable to provide either specific or non-specific helper function. These findings indicated the IL-2 is not an essential component for helper activity. However, phenotypic analysis revealed that both the functional subsets of T-cell clones expressed the helper phenotype in that they were T4+, T3+ and T11+. Nevertheless analysis with other antibodies revealed differences in that the IL-2 releasing clone showed greater staining with the anti-T-cell subset antibodies 9.3 and Leu 8, confirming that there is phenotype as well as functional heterogeneity within the helper inducer T-cell population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, Surface / analysis
  • Clone Cells / immunology
  • Epitopes / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis*
  • Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
  • Orthomyxoviridae / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / classification
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Surface
  • Epitopes
  • Interleukin-2