Diversity in the biological properties of anti-influenza cytotoxic T cell clones.

This study reports the examination of in vivo and in vitro properties of an antigen-dependent murine cytotoxic T cell (Tc) clone T5/5 specific for type A influenza virus. This clone differs morphologically and in its migratory pattern and biological properties from a previously examined anti-influenza Tc clone L4 which grew in T cell growth factor independently of antigen. Unlike Tc clone L4, T5/5 cells do not release significant amounts of immune interferon on contact with influenza-infected target cells nor do they limit virus replication in vivo, although they efficiently lyse influenza-infected target cells and can release interferon in the presence of concanavalin A. Thus individual Tc clones vary in function and further work is required to establish the properties of Tc that are associated with host protection against virus infection.