Long-term culture and characterization of alloreactive T-cell infiltrates from renal needle biopsies.

Long-term T-cell lines have been established by culturing renal needle biopsies from kidney recipients undergoing graft rejection. These cultures are maintained in the presence of Interleukin 2, with weekly addition of irradiated donor lymphocytes as a source of antigen. The cells express T-cell markers, T3, T4, and T8, T-cell growth factor (IL2) receptor, and HLA-DR antigens. In one cell line, J2, the T4 and T8 antigens are found on two separate cell populations. This line is also shown to specifically kill Epstein Barr Virus transformed donor cells. This cytotoxicity is directed against HLA-B35 determinant and has been maintained in vitro for over 6 months.