Characterization of cell lines enhancing IL-2 production by human phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes

• Published in: Cellular immunology Vol. 90; no. 1; p. 142
• Main Authors: Gramatzki, M, Bonnard, G D, Herberman, R B, Strong, D M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 01-01-1985
• Subjects: B-Lymphocytes - immunology; Cell Line; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II - immunology; HLA-DR Antigens; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Interleukin-2 - biosynthesis; Isoantigens - immunology; Lymphocyte Activation - drug effects; Lymphocytes - metabolism; Lymphokines - immunology; Phytohemagglutinins - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0008-8749
• DOI: 10.1016/0008-8749(85)90176-5

Certain cell lines were found to significantly enhance IL-2 production by phytohemagglutinin-stimulated T lymphocytes, and the mechanisms involved in mediating such an enhancement have been studied. All B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-CL) tested had an enhancing capability, even lines which were immature, surface immunoglobulin negative, or negative for EBV-associated antigens or Fc receptors. Furthermore, a B-CL lacking HLA-A, B, and C, antigens as well as a HLA-DR-deficient mutant line enhanced IL-2 production. Autologous B-CL as well as allogeneic lines were able to augment IL-2 production. Cell lines from patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia did not stimulate, while more mature, DR-positive T-cell lines did. Although all HLA-DR positive cell lines, regardless of their derivation, provided enhancement, several lines of evidence, including blocking experiments with anti-DR antibodies, indicated that the reaction was not HLA-DR mediated. The enhancing determinant(s) appeared to be cell associated since CL supernatants were ineffective, and it may serve as an important additional signal to the preactivated IL-2-producer T-cell.