The rapid isolation of clonable antigen‐specific T lymphocyte lines capable of mediating autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract

The isolation and propagation of functional antigen-specific lines of T lymphoblasts is described. These lines recognized foreign or self antigens in association with accessory cells of syngeneic major histocompatibility complex genotype. Inoculation (i.v.) of a T cell reactive only against myelin basic protein led to development of clinical paralysis in syngeneic rats. Thus, it is possible to study biological function and antigen specificity using T cell lines.