Human large granular lymphocytes induce immunoglobulin synthesis after bone marrow transplantation

Following T cell-depleted bone marrow transplantation, helper T cell numbers remain depressed for some months. Nonetheless, functional B cells can be adoptively transferred to the recipients of such grafts, where they continue to secrete antibody. We now show that immunoglobulin production by these transferred B cells is induced by activated large granular lymphocytes (LGL) which circulate in the recipients in substantial numbers during the immediate post-transplant period. The LGL are CD3 negative and therefore provide help in an antigen-unlinked manner. Helper effects for autologous (donor) B cells are augmented by the addition of anti-LFA-2 (anti-CD2) which appears to act by blocking recruitment of LGL inhibitory to developing B cells. In contrast antibody to the β chain of LFA-1, which effectively reduces natural killer activity of LGL, does not influence their helper function. The peripheral blood LGL fraction thus contains both helper and cytotoxic activity, which can be distinguished by appropriate monoclonal antibodies.