Specific anti-marmoset T-cell globulin: cytotoxic and mitogenic properties.

A virus-transformed marmoset lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) with T-cell characteristics was used for the production of rabbit anti-marmoset T-cell globulin (RAMTG). Exhaustive absorption of the crude antiserum with kidney-liver homogenate and pooled marmoset B-LCL yielded a T-cell-specific antibody. Specificity of the absorbed RAMTG was evidenced by plateau formation in the cytotoxic activity on marmoset peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and clear discrimination between marmoset T-LCL and B-LCL. Unexpectedly, the absorbed RAMTG was not cytotoxic for human PBL. Assays for mitogenic activity showed that unabsorbed RAMTG exhibited mitogenic activity on marmoset, but not on human or baboon PBL. Unabsorbed rabbit anti-human T-cell globulin (RAHTG) induced cellular proliferation in human and baboon PBL, whereas marmoset or Saimiri sciureus PBL showed no response. Absorbed RAMTG did not stimulate DNA synthesis of marmoset PBL. In conclusion, the specific RAMTG may be useful for studies on the functional role of T-lymphocytes in the marmoset immune response to organ allografts or infectious agents.