Limiting Dilution Analysis of Interleukin 2‐Producing Mature T Cells

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Abstract
Evaluation of lymphokine production by individual activated T cells is necessary to characterize their growth requirements. We have studied interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion by mature T lymphocytes using a high resolution assay system with the following characteristics: (a) a threshold of IL-2 detection 25 times lower than classic IL-2 titration: (b) the ability to discriminate between IL-2 and IL-4 activities: (c) absence of ‘in situ’ IL-2 absorption; (d) IL-2 production revealed al the single cell level By this method an average of 10% of spleen cells, and 75% of L3T4 cells were detected as producers in a concanavalin A (Con A)-dependent T cell activation system. Our results also suggest the complete restriction of II -2 secretion to cells with this phenotype. Therefore, factors other than IL-2 must play a major role in Lyt 2+ mitogen-driven, helper-independent T cell proliferation.

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