On the role of astrocytes in polyclonal T cell activation

Murine astrocytes have been identified to possess accessory cell functions, which are thought to be regulated by the inducible expression of surface Ia molecules. The accessory cell functions include the induction of syngeneic and allogeneic T lymphocyte responses, the cytotoxic T cell activation towards haptens and the antigen-induced stimulation of helper T cell lines. In this report, astrocytes initially being Ia antigen-negative cells were found to restore the phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response of mouse lymph node cells depleted of accessory cells by treatment with leucin methyl ester (Leu ME). Antisera against Ia determinants did not inhibit the PHA response or the release of interleukin-1 (IL-1) by activated astrocytes. Thus, the presence of Ia antigens is not required for mitogen-induced polyclonal T cell activation. In addition to IL-1 release, astrocytes may favour cell-cell contacts necessary for mitogen-induced polyclonal T cell response.