Purified naive T cells isolated from a T-cell receptor transgenic mouse represent a homogeneous population of cells with specificity for a single known peptide:MHC complex. This specific peptide:MHC complex can be purified and formed into multivalent complexes, such as peptide:MHC tetramers. When the naive T cells are stimulated with their 'antigen' in the form of these peptide:MHC tetramers, the T cells show activation responses, including the up-regulation of genes that are induced within several hours after T-cell receptor stimulation. However, these activated T cells fail to undergo robust proliferation, and the majority of cells die after 3-4 days in culture. T cell proliferation and survival could be greatly augmented by addition of:
A) Anti-inflammatory cytokines
B) Toll-like receptor ligands
C) Antibodies to the T-cell receptor
D) B7 ligands for CD28
E) The integrin LFA-1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The addition of B7 ligands for CD28 can greatly enhance T cell proliferation and survival by providing a co-stimulatory signal that is necessary for T cell activation and expansion. Without this signal, T cells undergo apoptosis after a few days in culture. Anti-inflammatory cytokines and antibodies to the T-cell receptor are unlikely to promote T cell proliferation and survival, while Toll-like receptor ligands and integrin LFA-1 are not directly involved in T cell activation and expansion.

Purified Naive T Cells Isolated from a T-Cell Receptor Transgenic