Role of hydrogen peroxide in the cytotoxic reaction of T lymphocytes.

Evidence is presented that T lymphocyte cytotoxicity is mediated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). At a concentration of 5 x 10(-4) M H2O2 induced 51Cr release from pre-labelled P815 mastocytoma cells. H2O2 was generated when T lymphocytes from mouse spleen were exposed to P815 cells. The concentration of H2O produced was apparently one thousand times lower than the concentration required to lyse the P815 cells. This suggests that the H2O2 is produced and acts at a highly localized site on the target cell. Sulphydryl groups on the target cell were particularly sensitive both to H2O2 and to spleen cell attack. The activity of the spleen cells was inhibited by cyanide and azide and by reducing agents which protected the target cells. Cytotoxicity was enhanced by agents which prevented H2O2 breakdown.