Identification of a novel protein capable of interacting with the IL-3 receptor.

IL-3 has numerous functions in hematopoiesis yet its receptor has not been fully characterized. We have developed two mAb, 4G8 and 2F2, that markedly inhibited IL-3-dependent proliferation whereas only marginally affecting IL-2 or IL-4-induced proliferation. On Western blots, both antibodies identified the same protein, which varied in size from 115 to 145 kDa in six cell lines tested.

Dissociation of antigenicity and immunogenicity of neonatal epidermal allografts in the mouse.

Cultured neonatal epidermal cells or sheets have been grafted successfully onto allogeneic recipients across an MHC barrier, while genetically identical skin allografts were rejected. Induction of specific allosensitization by prior priming with allogeneic spleen cells or allogeneic skin grafts did not prejudice the survival of subsequent cultured epidermal allografts. When cultured epidermis and adult skin of the same genotype were grafted simultaneously, as double grafts, cultured epidermis survived despite the presence of an ongoing allograft rejection reaction in the host.

Enumeration of cytokine-secreting cells at the single-cell level.

A sensitive assay utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodology has been developed for the quantitation of single cells secreting interferon (IFN)-gamma or tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Cloned T cells or cells from lymphoid organs were stimulated with antigen, concanavalin A, or phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin in microwells coated with antibodies specific for IFN-gamma. Discrete "spots" overlying areas where cells secrete IFN-gamma were then developed by incubation with a second antibody to IFN-gamma, followed by an enzyme-labeled antibody conjugate and substrate.