T cell-replacing factor- (TRF) induced IgG secretion in a human B blastoid cell line and demonstration of acceptors for TRF.

IgG-secretion was induced in a human B blastoid cell line, CESS, by the addition of partially purified T cell-derived helper factor(s) (TRF), which had been obtained from PHA-stimulated human T cells. The number of IgG-producing cells in CESS cells reached its maximal level (10% of total cells) within 48 hr after the addition of TRF. TRF did not affect the proliferation of CESS cells and the block of cell proliferation with hydroxyurea did not inhibit the increase of IgG-producing cells, showing that TRF induced IgG-production in CESS cells without any requirement of cell division. TRF activity was completely removed by CESS cells but TCGF-activity in the same preparation was not absorbed with CESS cells. On the other hand, TCGF-dependent human killer cells absorbed TCGF activity but not TRF activity in the same preparation. The binding of 125I-labeled factor(s) on CESS cells was also demonstrated. These results showed the presence of acceptors for TRF on the surface of CESS cells and this cell line will provide useful means for the chemical characterization of acceptors and for the study of the mechanisms of the signal transmission through acceptors.