Induction of human glioma-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte lines by autologous tumor stimulation and interleukin 2.

Two human glioma-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (G-S-CTL) lines were established by autologous tumor stimulation (ATS) with the aid of lectin free interleukin 2 (IL 2). Coculture of patient's peripheral blood lymphocytes and autologous irradiated glioma cells and subsequent addition of partially purified IL 2 enhanced the tumoricidal activity of the lymphocytes. These CTL lines possessed cross-cytotoxic activity against autologous allogeneic glioma cells and exhibited low cytotoxic activity against non-glial tumor cells. They did not lyse autologous lymphoblasts. This phenomenon suggested the existence of a common glioma-specific antigen recognized by the CTL lines. T-cell subset depletion test revealed that the major surface phenotype of G-S-CTL line, responsible for cytotoxic activity was OKT 3 positive, OKT 4 negative and OKT 8 positive. G-S-CTL lines were composed of a low proportion of OKT 8 positive subpopulation after primary ATS and successive propagation with IL 2. The proportion of OKT 8 positive subpopulation was increased by secondary ATS, which enhanced the cytotoxic activity to glioma cells more effectively.