Hapten-specific T cell lines mediating delayed hypersensitivity to contact-sensitizing agents.

Continuous cultures of T cells from the lymph nodes of mice sensitized to the contact sensitizers 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyl oxazolone or picryl chloride have been established. For continuous proliferation, the lines required specific antigen, syngeneic antigen-presenting cells, and growth factors from the supernatant of concanavalin-A-stimulated lymphoid cultures. Cells from the lines showed antigen specificity and major histocompatibility complex restriction in proliferation assays and in delayed hypersensitivity. They could mediate delayed hypersensitivity to the sensitizer presented as a reactive hapten or coupled to keyhold limpet hemocyanin.