The induction of secondary cytolytic T lymphocytes by solubilized membrane proteins.

Membrane-bound antigens responsible for induction of a secondary allogeneic murine cytolytic T-cell (CTL) response have been obtained in a soluble, biologically active form by deoxycholate solubilization of tumor cell plasma membranes. The active proteins are soluble by the criteria of both ultracentrifugation and gel filtration. The immunological specificity of the induced CTL and removal of the activity from solution by treatment with B6 anti-P815 (anti-H-2d) antiserum and Protein A-Sepharose demonstrate that the CTL-inducing activity is dependent upon solubilized major histocompatibility complex antigens.