T lymphocyte tissue culture lines produced by cell hybridization.

This study describes the generation of permanent T cell tissue culture lines by cell fusion techniques. The AKR strain-derived T cell tumor BW 5147 was hybridized in the presence of polyethylene glycol with various T cell populations isolated from antigen-sensitized mice. Surface analysis of resulting hybrid cell lines showed expression of both Thy-1.2 and H-2 antigens which are characteristic for the lymphocyte used for fusion. In contrast, in hybrids derived from spleen cells neither expression of Ig nor of B cell-typicyl Ia determinants was found suggesting either preferential hybridization of BW 5147 cells with T lymphocytes or extinction of B cell markers in hybrid cells. These hybrid lines which may display the immunological properties of the T cell population chosen are presently investigated for their antigen reactivity.