Journal of Experimental Medicine, Vol 156, 300-305, Copyright © 1982 by Rockefeller University Press
Hapten-specific T cell lines mediating delayed hypersensitivity to contact-sensitizing agents
WR Thomas, PL Mottram and JF Miller
Continuous cultures of T cells from the lymph nodes of mice sensitized to
the contact sensitizers 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyl oxazolone or picryl
chloride have been established. For continuous proliferation, the lines
required specific antigen, syngeneic antigen-presenting cells, and growth
factors from the supernatant of concanavalin-A- stimulated lymphoid
cultures. Cells from the lines showed antigen specificity and major
histocompatibility complex restriction in proliferation assays and in
delayed hypersensitivity. They could mediate delayed hypersensitivity to
the sensitizer presented as a reactive hapten or coupled to keyhold limpet
hemocyanin.