Processing requirements for T cell activation by Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived mitogen.

Mycoplasma arthritidis produces in culture a polyclonal mitogen which is active for murine and human T lymphocytes in the presence of accessory cells (AC). We studied the requirements for processing and presentation by AC of Mycoplasma arthritidis supernatant (MAS) mitogen to human T cells. As inhibitors of AC processing, several agents were used which inhibit lysosomal function: the weak bases chloroquine and NH4Cl, the cationic ionophore monensin and the competitive protease inhibitor leupeptin. When these agents were used to inhibit processing by presenting cells and washed out before T cells were added to culture, they inhibited lymphocyte activation and, therefore, we assume that they interfered with the presentation of the mitogen. Thus, if MAS requires a processing step, it appears to involve lysosomal proteolysis which can be blocked in vitro.