STUDIES ON MECHANISM OF LYMPHOCYTE-MEDIATED CYTOLYSIS .9. RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ANTIGEN RECOGNITION AND LYTIC EXPRESSION IN KILLER T CELLS

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 118  (1) , 71-76
Abstract
The relationship between antigen recognition and lytic expression by killer T [thymus-derived] cells [mouse] was studied by co-culturing 2 effector cell populations. When antigen recognition was bidirectional (e.g., b anti-d cells cultured with d anti-b) there was a loss of lytic activity in both populations. When antigen recognition was unidirectional (e.g., a anti-d co-cultured with d anti-b) then the loss of lytic activity only occurred in that direction; i.e., there was a marked decline in the d anti-b activity but no change in the a anti-d population. These studies suggest the following: mere proximity to a killer cell does not lead to target cell death; accommodation of the T cell''s antigen receptor is necessary for the cell to express its lytic potential; and there is direct linkage between the T cell''s antigen receptor site and its killing mechanism.