Human cytotoxic T lymphocytes and activated peripheral blood lymphocytes enhance cytochalasin B-induced DNA fragmentation of indicator bystander cells.

The cytochalasins are known to have multiple effects on cellular function. Not only do they induce secretion from granule compartments but they can induce DNA fragmentation in numerous cells. Evidence is presented which shows that treatment of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes and activated peripheral blood lymphocytes with cytochalasin B induces release of a factor capable of enhancing DNA fragmentation in cytochalasin-susceptible target cells. This activity can be transferred in the supernatants of cytochalasin B-activated CTL.