Helper T-cell lines specific for the acetylcholine receptor: induction, characterization, and in vitro effects

A strong immune response to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), involving both cell-mediated and humoral immunity, underlies both myasthenia gravis and its experimental models. A central cell in this response and in its regulation is the helper-proliferative T-cell specific for the AChR. We have produced long-lived lines of these cells derived from mice immunized with AChR. These cells proliferate in an antigen-specific manner to the AChR, bear the Lyl and Thy markers, and lack the Ly23 antigen. Finally, these cells and their supernatants help primed B cells make anti-AChR antibody. These cells will provide us with a necessary tool for the dissection of mechanisms regulating the immune response to the AChR.