A rapid method for generating cytotoxic effector cells in vivo.

A method is described for the production of highly cytotoxic effector T lymphocytes. The cells can be raised in vivo in healthy animals in 4--5 days, thus combining the short time period of sensitization obtained in MLC or radiation GVH, without any of the attendant risks of these two methods (infection or loss of cultures or animals). DNA synthesis and blastogenesis are maximal 4 days after sensitization and are insignificant by day 6. 20--30% of the effector cells from conjugates with the sensitizing cell strain on days 4 through 7. Cytotoxicity was specific for cells of the sensitizing strain; blast cells are cytotoxic at the peak of the reaction (day 4) but small lymphocytes are cytotoxic on subsequent days.