Release of discrete interferons by cytotoxic T lymphocytes in response to immune and nonimmune stimuli.

We have examined the potential of murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to synthesize both IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha, beta by using three cloned antigen-reactive CTL lines. These lines, which produce IFN-gamma in an antigen-specific manner or after stimulation with mitogen, were also found to produce IFN-alpha, beta upon nonspecific contact with Newcastle disease virus. The requirement for viral integrity in this process has been examined. Virus infectivity was not necessary to stimulate the release of IFN-alpha, beta from CTL, but acid-inactivation of virus abrogated its IFN-inducing property.