Memory CTL-hybridoma: a model system to analyze the anamnestic response of cytolytic T lymphocytes

We have previously described monoclonal CTL-hybridomas growing continuously in culture in the absence of a known antigenic stimulus or growth-promoting factor(s), exhibiting specific anti-H-2Db killing activity in vitro after a distinct 2-hr lag period before the onset of lysis. Here we provide evidence indicating that the hybridoma Md 26.15 represents "memory" CTL, and we examine the mechanism whereby they respond to antigen/mitogen. The brief period (2 to 3 hr) required for stimulation suggests that expression of potentiated effector function(s) after stimulation requires no cell replication. The frequency of effector hybridoma cells capable of specific binding to target cells before and after stimulation is the same, as determined in a direct hybridoma-target cell conjugation test, although cytolytic activity is markedly enhanced. On the other hand, kinetic and cell dispersion assays indicate that the potentiation of cytolytic activity can be attributed to shortening of the lag period of killing as well as to a small enhancement in the recycling ability of cytolytic effectors. We suggest that shortening of the lag period involves activation of potential effectors, which is manifested at a post-binding stage of effector-target interaction. The CTL hybridoma described herein provides a unique model system for studying CTL reactivation.