Human T lymphocytes expressing a defined T-cell antigen receptor family specifically kill the hybridoma that makes the anti-receptor monoclonal antibody.

Human T lymphocytes expressing a family of T-cell antigen receptors defined by a particular monoclonal antibody can be induced to grow with the Mab and recombinant IL-2. The resulting population consists largely of cells that have the phenotype T3+, T8+, T4-, and that react with the inducing anti-TcR Mab. The ability of such T cells to kill the hybridoma which produces the inducing Mab has been investigated. Specific killing is demonstrated which is inhibited by Mab to T3, TcR, and LFA-1. Further, lytic activity is rapidly lost when cultures are deprived of lymphokines. Cytolytic activity is restored by incubating cells in recombinant IL-2.