An improved method for growing and analysing human antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell clones

Background T-cell clones are valuable tools for investigating T-cell specificity in type 1 diabetes. Efficient methods for isolating T-cell clones have been developed, but growing enough cells to undertake a detailed analysis remains a challenge. Methods We optimized the conditions for isolating and growing antigen-specific human CD4(+) effector T-cell clones. T-cell clones were isolated by FACS sorting antigen-responsive cells identified by carboxylfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution. The cloning efficiency was compared between T cells cloned in the presence of 21 different combinations of cytokines. Following cloning, the growth of cloned T cells in the presence of seven different combinations of cytokines was compared. Finally, we sought a quicker and more sensitive assay to measure cloned T cells' responses to antigen. Results IL-2 + IL-4 were optimal for cloning antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells. Following cloning, the most antigen-specific CD4(+) T-cell clones grew in the presence of IL-15 + IL-21. Antigen recognition by T cells cloned and grown under these conditions was readily detected by the increase in the expression of CD25. Induction of CD25 was a more sensitive measure of antigen recognition than H-3-thymidine incorporation assays. These findings were confirmed with two proinsulin-specific CD4(+) T-cell clones isolated from an individual with type 1 diabetes. Conclusion The optimal cytokines for isolating, and growing, proinsulin-specific human, CD4(+) T-cell clones are IL-2 + IL-4 and IL-15 + IL-21, respectively. Antigen recognition, by clones isolated and grown under these conditions is best detected by the induction of CD25. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.