Myelin Basic Protein-specific T Cell Lines and Clones Derived from SJL/J Mice with Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis

Myelin basic protein (BP)-specific T-cell lines and clones have been derived from SJL/J mice which had been sensitized with BP in complete Freund's adjuvant. Cell lines which were initiated and maintained in the presence of BP were specific for this antigen. Cell lines specific for tuberculin-purified protein derivative (PPD) were also established. BP-reactive cell lines maintained for 1 month in culture produced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) when transferred to recipient mice. The number of cells required was only slightly less than that necessary for transfer of disease after 3-day culture of sensitized lymph node cells. In contrast, proliferative responses to BP were significantly enhanced after 1 month in culture. Cell lines lost the capacity to transfer EAE after 4 months in culture, but retained a vigorous proliferative response to BP. Similarly, cloned BP-reactive T cells failed to transfer disease, even when recipient mice were treated with IL-2, pertussis vaccine, or low-dose irradiation. Serial FACS analyses demonstrated alterations in cell surface antigen expression, particularly loss of reactivity with anti-Ia antibody, which correlated temporally with loss of ability to transfer disease. Persistence of antigen-induced proliferation by both cloned and uncloned T-cell lines should render these populations suitable for detailed study of the T-cell BP receptor.