Primary in vitro sensitization of virus specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

CBA mouse-derived splenic lymphocytes treated with either beta-priopionlactone-inactivated or u.v. light-inactivated parainfluenza (sendai) virus stimulated in vitro unprimed syngeneic T-lymphocytes to differentiate into cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL). The CTL generated were virus specific and H-2 restricted. For optimal CTL responses to be induced (i) a critical treatment of stimulator cells, (ii) an optimal ratio of responder to stimulator cells and (iii) an in vitro incubation period of 5 days was required. The in vitro system for the induction of primary virus-specific CTL responses may be useful to analyse the sensitization phase of H-2 restricted virus-specific CTL.