Transformation of @entity1 T-cell clones by Herpesvirus saimiri: intact antigen recognition by autonomously growing XXXX -specific T cells.

@entity1 @entity2610 @entity537 @entity404 @entity6057 @entity15 @entity1199 @entity3646 @entity792
@entity537 has recently been shown to immortalize @entity1 T cells. It was unknown, however, whether @entity537 transformation affects T-cell receptor ( @entity6057 ) expression and signal transduction. In the present study, we have transformed @entity404 + @entity1 T-cell clones specific for @entity1 @entity2610 . The transformed T cells were grown in @entity1199 and divided in the absence of antigen and antigen-presenting cells. They retained the membrane phenotype of activated T cells and secreted the cytokines interferon gamma and lymphotoxin, but @entity3646 was not detected. Further, the transformed T cells continued to express the original @entity6057 as demonstrated by @entity6057 variable-region-V beta-specific monoclonal antibodies and @entity6057 sequencing. Antigen-specific recognition and signal transduction by the @entity6057 were demonstrated by @entity2610 -induced HLA-DR-restricted secretion of interferon gamma and lymphotoxin and by @entity2610 -specific proliferation. Antigen specificity and reactivity have been maintained for > 1 year after transformation. Transformation with @entity537 now allows the production of virtually unlimited numbers of (auto)antigen-specific T cells expressing functional @entity6057 and a stable membrane phenotype. This technology will facilitate studies of the pathogenesis of putative @entity792 , such as @entity15 , and may be of help in @entity6057 -targeted immunotherapy.
