Cytolytic effector mechanisms of human CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes

To elucidate mechanisms by which human CD4+ cells mediated cytolytic activity, we studied the expression of cytolytic proteins and the effects of inhibitors and mAbs on T-cell clones. Of seven cytolytic CD4+ clones, three were specific for the HLA-DR17, while four recognized DR18. Anti-HLA-DR mAb and anti-CD4 mAb blocked lysis. In addition, N alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethylketone (TLCK), a serine esterase inhibitor, as well as cytochalasin B and monensin, antagonists of secretory pathways, inhibited CD4+ CTLs, whereas the absence of extracellular Ca+2 or the presence of Ca+2 channel blockers partially inhibited cytotoxicity. CD4+ CTLs induced apoptosis of target cell nuclei and membrane damage simultaneously. The CD4+ clones synthesized perforin and granzyme B and expressed the granule-associated protein TIA-1. Our studies indicate that two distinct mechanisms may contribute to cytolysis by CD4+ clones: (1) a Ca+2-dependent mechanism associated with the cytotoxic granules and (2) a Ca+2-insensitive mechanism.