Direct cell-mediated cytotoxicity in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Splenocytes from guinea pigs with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis were assayed in a short-term 51Cr release assay for cytolytic activity against target cells coated with myelin basic protein. The basic protein was attached to target cells via a concanavalin A bridge which had been complexed to the basic protein with glutaraldehyde. Cytolytic activity was detected in symptomatic animals and the activity could be boosted by culture in vitro with additional basic protein. Histone was used as a control antigen.