The major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen receptor on T cells. II. Role of the L3T4 product

In vivo effects of GK1.5 (anti-L3T4a) monoclonal antibody on induction and expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity

The in vivo effects of monoclonal GK1.5 antibody, directed against the L3T4a determinant expressed on Class II-restricted T cells, on the induction and expression of murine delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses were examined. Development and expression of both hapten (2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene and 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene)- and protein antigen poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10)-specific DTH are significantly inhibited by injection of monoclonal anti-L3T4a antibody. The inhibitory effects of anti-L3T4a were most pronounced when administered during the afferent (induction) phase of the DTH response, leading to the functional inhibition of the generation of both polyclonal lymph node T-proliferative cells (Tprlf) and DTH effector cells (TDH). The in vivo inhibitory effect is apparently unrelated to preferential induction of suppressor T cells as GK1.5 inhibited DTH induction in cyclophosphamide-treated as well as normal recipients. L3T4a expression on the various T-cell subsets involved in DTH induction and elicitation was also examined. The data show that three functionally distinct, antigen-specific T-cell subsets, Tprlf, TDH, and Th cells involved in DTH induction, bear the Lyt 1+2-, L3T4+ phenotype. Possible mechanisms where in vivo injection of anti-L3T4a inhibits Class II-restricted T-cell subsets involved in DTH induction and expression, including immune depletion and inhibition of T-cell-receptor/ligand interactions, are discussed.

Absence of the Lyt-2-,L3T4+ lineage of T cells in mice treated neonatally with anti-I-A correlates with absence of intrathymic I-A-bearing antigen-presenting cell function

In an effort to elucidate the role of intrathymic Ia-bearing antigen-presenting cells (APC) on the development of the class II-restricted T cell repertoire, we examined the effect of neonatal anti-I-A treatment on both intrathymic and splenic APC function; on the generation of Lyt-2-,L3T4+, Lyt-2+,L3T4-, and Lyt-2+,L3T4+ T cells; and on the development of class I- and class II-specific T cell functions. Both the thymus and the spleen are completely devoid of Lyt-2-,L3T4+ T cells in young mice treated from birth with anti-I-A, and also lack functions associated with this subset, i.e., alloantigen-specific interleukin 2 production (present report), allo-class II-specific and self-class II-restricted T cell proliferative responses, and helper cell function for the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses (18). Development of the Lyt-2+,L3T4- subset proceeds undisturbed in these mice, in accord with the previously reported normal levels of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (18). The thymus contains normal numbers of the immature cortical Lyt-2+,L3T4+ cells, indicating that acquisition of the L3T4 marker, in and of itself, is not influenced by anti-I-A treatment. This striking absence of the lineage of T cells responsible for class II-specific T cell functions is correlated with absence of thymic APC function for class II-restricted T cell clones. When anti-I-A-treated mice are allowed to recover from the antibody treatment, splenic and thymic APC function return to normal in 2-3 wk, and thymic Lyt-2-,L3T4+ T cell numbers and functions reappear before such cells are detectable in the spleen. Collectively, these findings suggest that development of the Lyt-2-,L3T4+ lineage of class II-specific T cells is entirely dependent on functional I-A-bearing APC cells in the thymus. In addition, the presence of normal levels of Lyt-2+,L3T4-T cells argues that generation of the two major subsets of T cells (i.e., Lyt-2+,L3T4- and Lyt-2-,L3T4+) occurs through separate events, involving unique sites of interactions between precursor T cells and nonlymphoid major histocompatibility complex-bearing thymus cells.

Major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen receptor on T cells. VIII. Role of the LFA-1 molecule

We show that the LFA-1 molecule on T cells does not play a role in the stimulation of T cell hybridomas by certain targets, namely antigen presented by L cell derivatives or polyvalent anti-receptor antibody. These results suggest that LFA-1 may act by binding to ligands that are not present on all cells. We hope this result will help us and others to establish the true role of LFA-1 in T cell responses.

Structural invariance of T4 molecules from T cell clones of different antigen and major histocompatibility complex specificities

Recent studies have suggested that the T4 molecule may bind to class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene products on target cells. Such an interaction could be with either a polymorphic or monomorphic determinant on class II MHC genes. The first would imply that T4 is structurally variable and represents a component of a dual receptor, whereas the latter would suggest that T4 is structurally invariant and serves as an accessory binding molecule. To resolve this question we studied the structural variability of T4 molecules isolated from four clones of differing antigen/MHC specificities. By one- and two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis and by peptide mapping, we detected no differences among the 55-kDa T4 molecules from these clones. We conclude that T4 serves as an invariant accessory binding structure and that T4 does not confer MHC specificity on T cells.

Reversal of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis with monoclonal antibody to a T-cell subset marker

Administration of a monoclonal antibody (GK1.5) that recognizes the L3T4 marker present on helper T cells prevented the development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. Furthermore, treatment with GK1.5 reversed EAE when the antibody was given to paralyzed animals. In vivo injection of GK1.5 selectively reduced the number of L3T4+ cells in the spleen and the lymph nodes. These results suggest that manipulation of the human equivalent of the murine L3T4+ T-cell subset with monoclonal antibodies may provide effective therapy for certain autoimmune diseases.

T cell receptors for responses to Mls determinants and allo-H-2 determinants appear to be encoded on different chromosomes

Previous studies have shown that T cell clones specific for strong Mlsa,d determinants concomitantly display apparently random reactivity to allo-H-2 determinants. One explanation for this finding is that T cell recognition of Mlsa,d and allo-H-2 determinants is controlled by separate sets of receptors. If these receptors were chromosomally unlinked, karyotypically unstable T cell hybrids with dual reactivity for Mlsa,d and particular allo-H-2 determinants would be expected, occasionally, to lose reactivity for one set of determinants, but not the other. The results presented here provide direct support for this prediction.

Lymphocyte function-associated antigens: regulation of lymphocyte adhesions in vitro and immunity in vivo

Antibodies to most cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) external membrane antigens have no effect on CTL-mediated killing in the absence of complement. However, antibodies which do inhibit killing have now been identified for 7 distinct molecular sites. Antibodies to 6 of these "lymphocyte function-associated antigens" (LFAs, also called "blocking sites") inhibit when bound to the CTL, and to the 7th, when bound to the target cell. Mouse homologs have been identified for only 4 of the 7 human LFAs. 5 (probably 6) of the blocking sites inhibit by interfering with adhesion formation between the CTL and the target cell; the exception is T3. None of the presently identified blocking sites are believed to be lethal hit structures (CTL "toxin"). Reduction of target cell H-2 alloantigen density by pretreatment with papain reduces CTL-target functional "affinity", and increases susceptibility to inhibition 100-fold for anti-Lyt-2,3 and 10-fold for anti-LFA-1. This is consistent with the hypothesis that Lyt-2,3 aids in recognition of class 1 MHC antigens, perhaps by strengthening intercellular adhesion. On the other hand, LFA-1 appears to function differently. Trypsin pretreatment of target cells has little effect on MHC antigens or CTL-target affinity, yet still increases by 10-fold susceptibility to inhibition by anti-LFA-1. This is seen in both human and mouse CTL systems. These results suggest the existence of a non-MHC target structure which participates in the adhesion-strengthening function of LFA-1, and which is trypsin (and papain) sensitive: the "trypsin-sensitive counter blocker" (TSCB). LFA-3 may be the human TSCB. The roles of these LFAs in intercellular adhesion extend to more general cell adhesions. Anti-LFA-1 and anti-LFA-3 weaken the spontaneous adhesions which form between cells of the human B cell line JY. These homotypic adhesions are not initiated by immunologic recognition. Anti-LFA-1 is more potent at prolonging allograft survival in vivo than are anti-Lyt-2,3, anti-T200, anti-Thy-1, or anti-I-A. Thus, the potent anti-adhesion properties of LFA-1 seen in vitro may lead to useful immunotherapy in the clinic.

Antigen presentation by supported planar membranes containing affinity-purified I-Ad

I-Ad, purified from A20-1.11 cells by affinity chromatography, was incorporated into supported planar membranes by incubation of I-Ad-containing phospholipid vesicles with clean glass coverslips. Such planar membranes present a peptide digest of ovalbumin to the ovalbumin-specific, I-Ad-restricted T-cell hybridoma 3DO-54.8, resulting in the antigen-specific release of interleukin 2. However, when the same material was provided in the form of small unilamellar vesicles, no response was obtained. Antigen presentation by the I-Ad-containing planar membranes was inhibited by the monoclonal antibody MKD6 (anti-I-Ad) but not by the antibody 10-2.16 (anti-I-Ak). The antibody GK1.5, which recognizes the T-cell surface antigen L3T4, was also inhibitory. In contrast to the results with purified I-Ad, crude membrane preparations from A20-1.11 cells were effective in antigen presentation in both planar and vesicular forms.

T-cell receptors generated via mutations are specific for various major histocompatibility antigens

T cells that are positively selected in ontogeny could give rise to somatic mutants with new reactivities. Hence, somatic generation of diversity via mutations could be a source of expansion for the T-cell repertoire. To test this idea we searched among the progenies of an Ed alpha Ed beta-specific T-cell hybridoma for mutant clones capable of recognizing MHC antigens of a different haplotype. We isolated clones in which the original reactivity to Ed alpha Ed beta diminished substantially or disappeared, while new specificities (for Ab alpha Ab beta and/or Ak alpha Ak beta) were detected. In both alpha and beta subunits of receptors isolated from these T-hybrid clones, structural differences were observed using IEF, NEPHGE, and two-dimensional tryptic peptide maps. Thus changes in MHC specificity occurred via mutations affecting the T-cell receptor structure.

Membrane Ia expression and antigen-presenting accessory cell function of L cells transfected with class II major histocompatibility complex genes

To study the relationship between the structure and function of Ia antigens, as well as the physiologic requirements for antigen presentation to major histocompatibility complex-restricted T cells, class II A alpha and A beta genes from the k and d haplotypes were transfected into Ltk- fibroblasts using the calcium phosphate coprecipitation technique. Individually transfected genes were actively transcribed in the L cells without covalent linkage to, or cotransformation with, viral enhancer sequences. However, cell surface expression of detectable I-A required the presence of transfected A alpha dA beta d or A alpha kA beta k pairs in a single cell. The level of I-A expression under these conditions was 1/5-1/10 that of Ia+ B lymphoma cells, or B lymphoma cells expressing transfected class II genes. These I-A-expressing transfectants were tested for accessory cell function and shown to present polypeptide and complex protein antigens to T cell clones and hybridomas in the context of the transfected gene products. One T cell clone, restricted to I-Ak plus GAT (L-glutamic acid60-L-alanine30-L-tyrosine10), had a profound cytotoxic effect on I-Ak- but not I-Ad-expressing transfectants in the presence of specific antigen. Assays of unprimed T cells showed that both Ia+ and Ia- L cells could serve as accessory cells for concanavalin A-induced proliferative responses. These data indicate that L cells can transcribe, translate, and express transfected class II genes and that such I-A-bearing L cells possess the necessary metabolic mechanisms for presenting these antigens to T lymphocytes in the context of their I-A molecules.

The anatomy of an antigen molecule: functional subregions of L-tyrosine-p-azobenzenearsonate

The structural components of antigen molecules that interact with class II major histocompability complex (MHC) molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) (agretopes) and with antigen receptors of T-lymphocytes (epitopes) in class II restricted T-cell responses have not been precisely defined. This issue was addressed here using murine T-cell clones specific for the simple immunogen L-tyrosine-p-azobenzenearsonate (ABA-tyr) and a series of analogs of the homologous antigen. Two experimental approaches were used. First, APCs were pulsed with analogs and used to stimulate T-cell proliferation. The patterns of stimulation segregated the clones into two specificity groups and indicated that the epitope recognized by the T-cell included the arsonate group and elements in the side chain of tyrosine. Furthermore, the clones manifest different sensitivities to antigen. Second, non-stimulatory analogs were used to block the presentation of ABA-tyr in an effort to define the agretope. Compounds containing the azophenyl group blocked presentation of ABA-tyr in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas p-arsanilic acid and L-tyrosine were ineffective. The blocking was specific inasmuch as the compounds had no effect on the antigen-induced proliferative responses of giant keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or hen egg white lysozyme (HEL)-reactive T-cell clones. The blocking pattern indicated that the feature required for productive association with the APC centered on the planar structure of the azo-linked aromatic rings, with little or no contribution from either the arsonate moiety or the tyrosyl side chain. We propose that this structure forms an agretope for this family of compounds.

Cell surface structures involved in T cell activation

We have discussed four specific models which provide different kinds of information about the requirements for T cell activation. The first utilized a CTL clone designated L3, which is reactive specifically with Ld alloantigen, to study the involvement of the associative recognition structure Lyt-2 in cytolysis. The apparent requirements for activation of this CTL clone differ depending on whether the target cells bear specific alloantigen or are hybridoma cells which express on their cell surface a clonotypic antibody which reacts specifically with the L3 T cell receptor for antigen. When the antigen receptor reacts with alloantigen on the allogeneic target cell, cytolysis is inhibited by anti-Lyt-2 antibody. However, when the clonotypic antibody of the target cell reacts with the antigen receptor of the T cell, cytolysis is much less inhibited by anti-Lyt-2 antibody. The antigen receptor seems to be responsible for the specificity of both these interactions but the avidity of the interaction between CTL and target cell seems to differ in the two situations. Evidence that participation of the L3T4 associative recognition structure on HTL is less important for cloned T cells which have higher affinity antigen receptors was provided by the second model system which used cloned HTL selected for optimal responses to different concentrations of nominal antigen. Proliferative responses of those clones which responded to lower antigen concentrations were less readily inhibited by anti-L3T4 mAb. Evidence provided by these two model systems is consistent with the concept that associative recognition structures are of lesser importance for T cell activation for those T cells which have higher affinity antigen receptors. In the third model system, we have identified several monoclonal antibodies which augment proliferative response of cloned T cells to sub-optimal amounts of IL-2, probably by reacting with the antigen receptor or with the associated Leu-4/T3 structure. The reactivity patterns of these antibodies indicate that several different epitopes are being recognized. Some appear to be clonotypic although they do not block functional activity of the clone with which they react. Others react with all T clones which we have tested. Several of these react with a cell surface antigen which is expressed at about the same level as the clonotypic structures: these antibodies may react with the murine equivalent of the human Leu-4/T3 molecular complex. One of the "pan-T cell" antibodies which augments IL-2-induced T cell proliferation appears to react with Thy-1; this antibody is similar to one described recently by Gunter et al. (1984).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The murine T cell antigen receptor and associated structures

The immunochemical approach described in this review has led to the identification of a new component of the T cell surface, the disulfide-linked heterodimer, which has many of the properties expected of a molecule with antigen-specific receptor activity: 1) Expression of the heterodimer is restricted to T cells. 2) The molecule expresses clonotypic epitopes presumably related to the specific antigen recognition site, as well as crossreactive epitopes associated with the molecular framework. 3) At the primary sequence level, the molecule has regions of constant as well as variable structure. The numerous observations from other laboratories that clonotypic antibodies which inhibit antigen-specific reactions are directed against similar disulfide-linked heterodimers provide compelling evidence that this structure is in fact the T cell antigen receptor. Two important conclusions can be drawn from the results of peptide analysis of the receptor subunits. First, the molecular fingerprints of the alpha and beta chains are very different, indicating that the subunits are encoded by different genes. Second, both subunits have constant and variable regions, suggesting that both subunits play a role in producing the antigen combining site. A crucial question that remains to be answered is whether the same or different combining sites are responsible for recognition of antigen and the MHC restricting element. The recent report by Marrack et al. (1983b) that the receptors of two independent T cell hybridomas with the same antigen and MHC specificities expressed the same clonotypic determinant and yielded identical peptide maps (Kappler et al. 1983) provides strong evidence that the heterodimer is responsible for both antigen and MHC recognition. If this is the case, it remains to be determined whether a single site contributed by both subunits recognizes antigen and MHC, or whether one subunit contributes a site for MHC recognition and the other a site for antigen recognition. If, however, as Parham (1984) has recently proposed, conserved rather than polymorphic regions of the MHC product are recognized in MHC restriction, it is possible that the heterodimer functions solely in recognition of antigen, and the restriction may be provided by accessory proteins in a receptor complex. Definitive conclusions as to the role of the individual chains will probably require construction of functional T cells using molecular clones of the genes encoding the receptor and accessory proteins. Recently, the molecular cloning of cDNA encoding putative T cell receptors has been reported from murine (Hedrick et al. 1984) and human (Yanagi et al. 1984) cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Clonotypic antibodies which stimulate T cell clone proliferation

We have prepared a variety of antisera which recognize the T cell receptors on both alloreactive and antigen-specific functional clones. The antisera specifically stimulate the immunizing T cell clones to proliferate without cross-stimulating a variety of other clones and are thus clonotypic. The antisera specifically precipitate an 82k molecular weight complex unique to the immunizing clone and an independent common component present on all the helper T cell clones tested. The 82k molecular weight complex consists of a heterodimer, which can be resolved into an acidic (a) chain and a more basic (beta) chain. The beta subunit differs in its isoelectric focusing pattern when isolated from two A derived clones which recognize and respond to different alloantigens. Thus, the functional specificity of the antibodies is reflected in identifiable changes in molecules at the biochemical level.

A synaptic basis for T-lymphocyte activation

T lymphocytes respond to foreign antigen by forming specialized junctions with antigen-presenting cells (APC) or target cells. A hypothesis is presented, illustrating the similarity between the T-cell recognition-activation process and the cell communication processes found in other organ systems, especially the nervous system. Based on data showing that a major neuronal protein, Thy-1, is also a mitogenic site on T cells, and based on predictions for the structures of the T-cell receptor (TcR) and Ia proteins, an activation model is presented as follows. 1) The T-cell receptor initiates cell-cell contact with the APC by interacting with Ia and antigen, forming an antigen-binding site. 2) Sets of adhesion molecules then bind, focusing the interacting proteins to the junctional site. One binding protein, L3/T4, binds Ia and concentrates the Ia molecules to the contact site. 3) The two-chain TcR then links together the TcR-Ia-antigen complexes, forming a linear chain of receptors which will self-associate once reaching a critical length, forming a cluster. This cluster juxtaposes associated channel subunits, the T3 membrane molecules, creating an ion channel, stimulating the T cell. 4) The MHC molecule is structurally a part of this activation complex, and therefore also forms a cluster on the APC surface, possibly activating the presenting cell. 5) Secretory products are then released into the synaptic site allowing for efficient and directed cell-cell communication. Cytolytic class-I-restricted cells use a similar pathway to focus the effect of cytolytic proteins. This analogy views neuronal communication and lymphoid recognition as evolutionary descendents of a primordial lymphocytic type of cell interaction.

The antigen-specific, major histocompatibility complex-restricted receptor on T cells. VI. An antibody to a receptor allotype

We have prepared a monoclonal antibody, KJ16-133, from the cells of a rat immunized with the purified receptor for antigen plus I-A of a BALB/c T cell hybridoma, DO-11.10. Unlike most other monoclonal anti-receptor antibodies that have been described before, KJ16-133 is not clone specific. It reacts with approximately 20% of the receptors on T cells of normal BALB/c mice. It also reacts with about the same percentage of antigen-specific, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted or allogeneic I-region specific T cell hybridomas. Reaction of KJ16-133 with a given T cell hybridoma does not seem to depend on the antigen specificity or MHC-restricting element of the T cell in question. The determinant recognized by KJ16-133 has some unexpected properties. It is absent in several strains of mice including SJL/J and SJA/20, but present on the T cells of most other commonly used strains. The determinant recognized therefore does not map to Igh. Our experiments suggest that a clone-specific "antiidiotypic" antibody and KJ16-133 recognize determinants on different parts of the receptor. For example, the binding of a clone-specific antibody to target T cells is relatively temperature insensitive, whereas KJ16-133 binds well to cells at 37 degrees C but poorly to cells at 4 degrees C. The determinant recognized by a clone-specific antibody is sensitive to reduction and alkylation of the receptor, whereas KJ16-133 reactivity is not. Finally, binding of KJ16-133 at saturating concentrations to target T cells does not block the binding of a clone-specific antibody. Similarly, binding of a clone-specific antibody only marginally inhibits binding of KJ16-133. Taken together, these results suggest that KJ16-133 is directed against an allelic determinant on T cells that may be close to the membrane, and not in the receptor binding site for antigen plus MHC. The antibody may recognize an allele of a constant region isotype, or an allele of a J region.

Somatic recombination in a murine T-cell receptor gene

A putative T-cell receptor gene was isolated from the DNA of the helper hybridoma, 2B4 . Analysis of the sequence components of this rearranged gene indicates the presence of separate variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) region elements analogous to those of heavy-chain immunoglobulins. These findings further support the belief that the products of this locus are involved in antigen recognition by T cells. There is no evidence of somatic mutation between the putative germ-line and the expressed variable-region gene.

Helper T cell activation for the human B cell response to trinitrophenylated polyacrylamide beads: involvement of the T4 antigen

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) OKT4A (but not OKT4) inhibits the in vitro antibody response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The target of OKT4A mAb is the helper T cell, as the helper cells for the antibody response to trinitrophenylated polyacrylamide beads (TNP-PAA) are exclusively in the T4 subset. The OKT4A mAb is still suppressive when the anti-TNP response of cultures of monocyte-depleted cells is supported by purified interleukin 1. Both the OKT4A mAb and anti-DR mAb suppress the non-specific T cell proliferation in the cultures leading to the in vitro mAb response. A parallel inhibition is observed for the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction, the nonspecific B cell response, but the T cell response to mitogens is not affected. These results suggest that the recognition of self major histocompatibility complex class II determinants by the T4 molecule plays a major role in the activation of T helper cells for antibody production to this particulate antigen.

The role of L3T4 in recognition of Ia by a cytotoxic, H-2Dd-specific T cell hybridoma

The expression of T4/T8 surface markers on human T cells and of L3T4/Lyt-2 on murine T cells has lead to the association of these surface markers with recognition of either class II or class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. It has been suggested that these T cell surface antigens interact with MHC antigens. We have examined the role of L3T4 in the recognition of Dd by the T cell hybridoma, 3DT52.5. This T cell hybridoma was found to be specific for the N/Cl domain of Dd. The recognition of a class I antigen by an Lyt-2-, L3T4+ T cell hybridoma allowed the separate evaluation of interactions between L3T4/Ia and the T cell antigen receptor, Dd. Recognition by this hybridoma resulted in the production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and cytolytic activity. Antibody blocking experiments have demonstrated that L3T4 was involved in triggering the effector function of 3DT52.5 only on Ia+ stimulator or target cells. We have demonstrated that an L3T4+, Dd-specific T cell hybridoma, 3DT52.5, uses the L3T4 molecule to directly interact with nonpolymorphic Ia determinants.

Gene transfer of H-2 class II genes: antigen presentation by mouse fibroblast and hamster B-cell lines

We have transferred the mouse Ak alpha and Ak beta genes, which encode the class II I-Ak molecule, into mouse L-cell fibroblasts and hamster B cells. I-Ak molecules are expressed on the surface of both cell types. The L-cell and hamster B-cell I-Ak molecules appear normal by serological analyses and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, the I-Ak molecules on L cells can act as targets for the allogenic T-cell killing of the transformed L cells. The I-Ak molecules in both mouse fibroblasts and hamster B cells can present certain antigens to T-cell helper hybridomas. Thus only class II molecules are required to convert the nonantigen-presenting cell. Accordingly, it will be possible to dissect the structure-function relationships existing between Ia molecules, foreign antigen, and T-cell receptor molecules by in vitro site-directed mutagenesis and gene transfer.

The major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen receptor on T cells. IV. An antiidiotypic antibody predicts both antigen and I-specificity

In order to prove that a monoclonal antibody, KJ1-26.1, reacted with the idiotypic portion of the receptor for antigen plus major histocompatibility complex product (Ag/MHC) on the T cell hybridoma D0-11.10, 397 independent T cell hybridomas prepared from BALB/c T cells primed with ovalbumin were screened by ELISA for reactivity with the antibody. Of these T cell hybridomas one, 7D0-286, and a subclone of this hybridoma, 7D0-286.2, reacted strongly and consistently with KJ1-26.1. Further analysis revealed that KJ1-26.1 blocked the reaction of 7D0-286 with Ag/MHC, and that 7D0-286 had the same fine specificity both for Ag and MHC as D0-11.10. None of 207 other BALB/c T cell hybridomas specific for ovalbumin shared these fine specificity patterns. Thus, reaction with KJ1-26.1 defined the specificity of a T cell hybridoma both for Ag and MHC, suggesting that KJ1-26.1 reacted with the receptors for Ag/MHC on the T cells in question. KJ1-26.1 precipitated an 85-kdalton molecule from 7D0-286.2 that on reduction ran as a diffuse spot of approximately 43 kdaltons. A similar molecule was precipitated from D0-11.10.