Human T-cell subset requirements for the production of specific anti-influenza virus antibody in vitro.

Studies were undertaken to define the helper T-cell requirements for in vitro specific antibody production to influenza virus. Subpopulations of human T cells were separated on the basis of their reactivity with the monoclonal antibody OKT4. B cells cultured with OKT4+ T cells produced specific antibody to influenza virus, while B cells cultured with OKT4- T cells did not. Irradiation (1200 rads) of the OKT4- subset to potentially eliminate suppressor-cell activity did not augment the helper-cell function of that subset. Thus, unlike the cytotoxic T-cell response to influenza, help for an in vitro antibody response is mediated only by OKT4+ T cells.