Quantitative assessment of the pool size and subset distribution of cytolytic T lymphocytes within human resting or alloactivated peripheral blood T cell populations.

In order to directly assess the distribution of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) and their precursors (CTL-P) in the two major subsets of human T cells, we have used limiting dilution microculture systems to determine their frequencies. The two subsets were defined according to their reactivity (or lack thereof) with B9.4 monoclonal antibody (the specificity of which is similar, if not identical, to that of Leu 2b monoclonal antibody).

Direct demonstration of the clonogenic potential of every human peripheral blood T cell. Clonal analysis of HLA-DR expression and cytolytic activity.

In an attempt to determine the clonogenic properties of human peripheral blood T cells, we have developed a limiting dilution microculture system using phytohemagglutinin (PHA) as T cell activator and supernatant from PHA-stimulated spleen cultures as a source of T cell growth factors. The frequencies of cells capable of extensive proliferation under these culture conditions were 0.52-0.

Surface markers of cloned human T cells with helper or suppressor activity on pokeweed mitogen-driven B cell differentiation.

Human spleen T cells stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) were cloned under limiting conditions in microculture systems using interleukin 2 and irradiated autologous cells. Clones were screened for helper or suppressor activity on PWM-dependent B cell differentiation by adding cell aliquots to either isolated B cells and PWM or to mixtures of T and B cells and PWM. Out of 97 clones tested, 14 promoted intense B cell differentiation, as assessed by measurements of secreted IgG, and 6 strongly inhibited B cell maturation induced by spleen T cells.