Heterogeneity and specificity of cloned lines of influenza-virus specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Abstract

Continuous lines of murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) directed to type A influenza viruses were generated in vitro by stimulation of individual CTL precursors in the presence of T cell-growth factor and syngeneic virus-infected stimulator cells. The cloned CTL lines are H-2 restricted in their target cell recognition and exhibit distinct influenza virus recognition patterns. All CTL lines appear to be restricted in target cell recognition to the H-2K or H-2D end of the appropriate H-2 haplotype. CTL lines of F1 origin are restricted in recognition to 1 of the parental haplotypes. All CTL lines examined express the Thy-1.2 and Lyt-2 surface antigen markers. Of 11 cytotoxic lines examined, 4 expressed detectable levels of the Lyt-1 surface antigen. At the clonal level, previous observations on the H-2K/D restriction of virus-specific CTL are confirmed. Heterogeneity among H-2-restricted CTL from the standpoint of viral antigen recognition and cell surface phenotype is demonstrated.