Murine T-cell clones against Entamoeba histolytica: in vivo and in vitro characterization.

Eleven T-cell clones were raised from the spleens of BALB/c mice hyperimmunized against a crude soluble extract of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites. Seven clones were of the Lyt-1+, and four of the Lyt-23+ phenotype. All clones proliferated in the presence of E. histolytica antigens but not to a purified protein derivative; five clones proliferated to a crude extract of the E. histolytica-like Laredo amoebae. Ten clones secreted T-cell growth factors in response to E. histolytica antigens. Two clones (Lyt-23+) mediated direct lymphocytotoxicity (73% and 86%) against amoebic trophozoites that was inhibited with rabbit anti-mouse TNF-alpha. Supernatants of five of the clones (all Lyt-1+) activated mouse peritoneal macrophages (Mphi) to kill E. histolytica trophozoites in vitro, seemingly independent of secreted reactive oxygen intermediates (O2- and H2O2) in the case of three clones supernatants. All of the clones that were activating Mphi to kill amoeba in vitro also mediated a local DTH reaction in mouse footpad. Our results demonstrate direct lymphocyte cytotoxicity via a cytolytic molecule antigenically related to TNF-alpha and lymphokines activating Mphi for amoebic killing by oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms, the latter process mediated by a macrophage-activating factor (MAF) distinct from interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma).