SPECIFIC IMMUNE LYSIS OF PARAMYXOVIRUS-INFECTED CELLS BY COMPATIBLE-H-2 THYMUS-DERIVED LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract

Mice exposed to paramyxovirus (Sendai) generate specifically sensitized thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells) which, in an in vitro 51Cr release assay, interact only with virus-infected target cells sharing strong transplantation antigens. Reciprocal exclusion of cytotoxic T-cell activity is found for Sendai virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and ectromelia virus. Immune T cells are detected as early as 3 days after intraperitoneal inoculation with a large dose of Sendai virus, and cytotoxicity is generally maximal on days 5-7. Lysis is restricted to interactions where sensitized lymphocytes and virus-infected target cells (fibroblasts, tumour cells or macrophages) are compatible at th..