Expression of two distinct cytolytic mechanisms among murine CD4 subsets

A TNF (TNF-alpha and TNF-beta)-sensitive target, L929, and two TNF-resistant targets, P815 and LK were used to compare the cytolytic activity among subsets of CD4+ (Th) clones. Cytolytic activity was induced with either Con A, CD3-mAb, or Ag-pulsed LK cells. Six Th1 clones are strongly cytolytic against all three targets. In contrast, Th2 clones are either noncytolytic or weakly cytolytic. Although there is an apparent correlation between TNF production, killing of L929 cells, and the killing of TNF-resistant targets, an anti-TNF serum (capable of neutralizing both TNF-alpha and TNF-beta) selectively inhibits CD4 clones to lyse L929 cells, whereas the lysis of P815 or LK cells was unaffected. The continuous presence of noncytotoxic levels of Actinomycin D (AcD) and cycloheximide, but not mitomycin C, cyclosporin A (CsA), or cholera toxin (ChT) inhibits the lysis of Ag-pulsed, Ia-bearing LK cells; indicating a requirement for de novo synthesis of RNA and protein for cytolytic activity. Although pretreatment with AcD, CsA, or ChT strongly inhibits production of IL-2, TNF and IFN-gamma, only clones pretreated with AcD lose cytolytic activity against Ag-pulsed, Ia-bearing LK cells. These observations support a model of TNF-independent killing of TNF-resistant targets. The TNF-independent cytolytic activity does not correlate with serine esterase activity released into media upon activation of CD4 clones. Moreover, the effects of metabolic inhibitors on serine esterase release do not correlate with their effects on cytolytic activity. Collectively, the data demonstrate that activated CD4 cells express two distinct cytolytic activities; a TNF (and IFN-gamma)-mediated cytotoxicity and a TNF (and IFN-gamma)-independent cytolytic activity. Both pathways require de novo synthesis of RNA and protein and appear to be independent of granule enzyme release. Only the TNF-independent cytolytic activity is resistant to CsA and ChT inhibition.