Non-specific propagation of human antigen-dependent T lymphocyte clones

Most T lymphocyte clones require periodical restimulation with specific antigen in addition to growth factors to maintain long-term growth in vitro. Since in many cases the specific antigen for a given T cell clone is not known or not available, alternative methods of stimulation are required. In this report a method for a non-antigen-specific stimulation of antigen-dependent proliferative or cytotoxic human T cell clones is described. Introduction of aldehydes into galactose residues on stimulator cells leads to the stimulation of T cell clones by modified stimulator cells in the absence of a mitogen. This system is as efficient as the use of mitogenic antibodies or lectins but avoids the disadvantages of these polyclonal T cell activators.