Mechanisms controlling TCGF production by cloned sublines of EL-4 azgr in response to stimulation by anti-Thy-1 antibody.

The effect of xenogeneic anti-Thy-1 antibody on T cell growth factor (TCGF) production by T lymphoma cell lines has been examined as a model system for T cell activation. EL-4 G12 (a cloned subline of the producer EL-4 azgr cell line) produced TCGF when stimulated by a high concentration of anti-Thy-1, but none was induced by low concentrations of anti-Thy-1. Large amounts of TCGF were produced when these cells were cultured with Fc-receptor positive (FcR+) accessory cells. TCGF production by EL-4 G12 showed dose response kinetics similar to TCGF production by anti-Thy-1-stimulated, purified normal spleen T cells. Goat anti-rabbit IgG (GaRIG) and protein A substituted for this accessory helper effect, but neither FcR+ cells nor Protein A worked when (Fab')2 anti-Thy-1 was used instead of IgG anti-Thy-1. Anti-T-200 monoclonal antibody inhibited anti-Thy-1-induced TCGF production by EL-4 G12 and accessory cells. Phorbol myristic acetate and lymphocyte-activating factor also substituted in part for the accessory cell help. The data suggest there are at least 2 different accessory cell help mechanisms in anti-Thy-1-induced TCGF production, anti-Thy-1-bound membrane aggregation either by GaRIG, Protein A or FcR, and a LAF-dependent mechanism.