Heterogeneity of the cytotoxic response of thymus derived lymphocytes after immunization with influenza viruses

Abstract

Immunization of mice with serologically distinct type A influenza viruses results in development of highly crossreactive populations of cytotoxic thymus derived lymphocytes (T cells). This can be shown both at the level of effector function and of priming for an enhanced response after challenge with another type A virus. Cytotoxic activity is demonstrable, in both the primary and secondary situations, only for H 2 compatible interactions. Further analysis by competitive inhibition experiments indicates that some of the T cell clones generated are specific for the virus used to immunize, while others are much less restricted. Secondary stimulation may result in preferential stimulation of th..