Ricin-resistant human T-cell hybridomas producing interferon gamma

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• SH9 T-cell line was used to generate ricin-resistant variants.
• Ricin is a toxic lectin from Ricinus communis.
• Cell surface ricin-binding sites are crucial for ricin toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create and characterize ricin-resistant T-cell hybridomas.
• To investigate the phenotype of ricin-resistant T-cells.
• To utilize these hybridomas for immunological research.

Main Methods:

• Selection of ricin-resistant SH9 T-cell lines (SH9.R0, SH9.R1).
• Fusion of ricin-resistant lines with activated T-lymphocytes.
• Characterization of resulting T-cell hybridomas, including surface marker analysis and interferon gamma production.

Main Results:

• Ricin-resistant SH9 lines (SH9.R0, SH9.R1) lacked cell surface ricin-binding sites.
• Ricin-resistant T-cell hybridomas were successfully generated.
• These hybridomas lacked ricin receptors and produced interferon gamma.
• Analysis suggested fusion with T-helper or T-suppressor lymphocytes.

Conclusions:

• Ricin resistance in SH9 cells is associated with a deficiency in ricin-binding sites.
• Ricin-resistant T-cell hybridomas can be generated and are useful research tools.
• These hybridomas spontaneously produce interferon gamma, indicating potential for immune modulation studies.