The preparation of interferon gamma-producing T-cell hybridomas from jacalin-stimulated T lymphocytes and the SH9 T-cell line.

Jacalin, a lectin(s) extracted from the seeds of Artocarpus integrifolia (Jackfruit), was shown to induce the production of gamma interferon (IFN gamma) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and human T-lymphocyte cultures. The amount of IFN gamma produced was enhanced in the presence of mezerein, a phorbol ester derivative. Fusion of jacalin stimulated T lymphocytes with the SH9 T-cell line resulted in the formation of T-cell hybridomas which spontaneously secreted IFN gamma. The spontaneous production of IFN gamma by T-cell hybridomas was not influenced by the presence of jacalin, although significant enhancement of production was observed when the cells were cultured in the presence of mezerein.