Possible mechanism for target cell lysis by cytotoxic T‐cells

Abstract

The mechanism of the lysis of target cells by cytotoxic T-cells (Tc) is still obscure; there is no evidence for transfer of material from the Tc and prior to lysis, despite intimate contact, the plasma membranes of both types of cell appear to remain intact. The effects on the target cell lysosomes of brief contact between anti-viral Tc and targets bearing both the appropriate histocompatibility and viral antigens, have been examined cytochemically. Both the distribution of acid phosphatase activity and the percentage bound lysosomal naphthylamidase activity indicated that, in virus-infected target cells exposed to Tc, the lysosomal membranes became totally labilized. Thus the contact between Tc and targets appears to cause sufficient perturbation of the target plasma membrane as to cause the intracellular release of some agent that activates 'suicide capsule' lysosomes.

Quantitative cytochemistry: a precise form of cellular biochemistry

“…If the sample consists of isolated cells, such as blood cells (e.g. Stuart et al, 1969) or ascites cells (Friedberg et al, 1984), they can be used either in suspension or when dried on to slides. When solid tissues have to be studied, it is necessary to cut sections of a suitable thickness and to protect such cut slices during the cytochemical reaction.…”