CELL-MEDIATED CYTOTOXICITY AGAINST MEASLES-VIRUS IN SSPE .2. ANALYSIS OF CYTOTOXIC EFFECTOR CELLS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 118  (1) , 296-301
Abstract
An analysis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) lymphocytes was performed to find out whether T [thymus-derived] or K [antibody-dependent killer] cells were involved in killing of 51Cr-labeled allogeneic measles virus-infected target cells [human heteroploid lung LU 106 cells]. Lymphocyte donors were 3 patients with SSPE, 10 measles seropositive controls and 2 children with measles rash. About 75% of measles-specific cytotoxicity was lost after removal of Fc-receptor-bearing cells by adsorption onto immune complex monolayers. K cell activity (as measured by lysis of 51Cr-labeled-sensitized chicken red blood cells) was reduced to the same extent. After adsorption, the enhancing effect by specific antibody was no longer observed. Unfractionated peripheral lymphoid cells that were treated with Pronase and kept in culture 24 h were inactive in the cytotoxicity test when compared to freshly isolated cells. Cytotoxicity could be restored almost completely by the addition of measles antibodies. Measles-specific cytotoxicity by peripheral lymphoid cells from all 3 groups of donors is probably mediated by K cells. Specificity is probably provided by a small amount of contaminating serum antibody or immune complexes.

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