Activation of resting T lymphocytes by a monoclonal antibody directed against an allotypic determinant on the T cell receptor

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Abstract
The murine monoclonal antibody F23.1 reacts with an allotypic determinant on the β chain of the T cell receptor expressed by approximately 20% of T helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes of most common mouse strains. This IgG2a antibody, either in soluble form or covalently coupled to Sepharose beads, can activate resting T cells from naive animals to proliferate. Interestingly, under all conditions of activation, the antibody can only induce proliferation if exogenous lymphokines in the form of Con A supernatant are provided. Thus, it is unlike most lectins and anti‐T3 antibodies in this regard. Furthermore, under all conditions of culture, F23.1 activates preferentially the Lyt‐2+ subset of T cells. This is the case even in the presence of accessory cells. Further evidence is provided that two soluble lymphokines, different from IL2, are required to initiate IL2‐dependent growth and to allow the expression of lytic activity.