A transferrin receptor antibody represents one signal for the induction of IL 2 production by a human T cell line.

We previously demonstrated a two-signal requirement for the activation of the human T cell lines Jurkat and HUT 78. Interleukin 2 (IL 2) production by these lines can be induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), T3 antibodies, or calcium ionophores, but only in combination with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). To obtain further information about surface structures involved in T cell activation, we produced a monoclonal antibody that could substitute for PMA in the activation of HUT 78. This antibody, designated J64, induced IL 2 secretion by HUT 78 in combination with PHA, T3 antibodies, or calcium ionophores, however not by itself. J64 also had other PMA-like effects on HUT 78, such as an increase in IL 2 receptor expression and an inhibition of cell growth. J64 was shown to immunoprecipitate the transferrin receptor (TfR). However, it bound to an epitope different from those recognized by other TfR antibodies and different from the transferrin-binding site. In addition, other previously described TfR antibodies did not, like J64, function as activating stimuli for HUT 78. Possible mechanisms for activation signaling in T cells involving the TfR are discussed.