Human cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes specific for autologous follicular lymphoma recognize immunoglobulin in a major histocompatibility complex restricted fashion

Background. Previously, autologous Burkitt lymphoma‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTL) were found to express the gamma and delta T‐cell receptor and recognize tumor idiotype in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) unrestricted fashion. Methods. In this study, the authors established autologous CTL lines and clones specific for a B‐cell follicular lymphoma. Results. These CTL are tumor specific and inhibited by antiimmunoglobulin monoclonal antibodies, but unlike the Burkitt lymphoma‐specific CTL, they are MHC restricted and express the alpha and beta T‐cell receptor. Conclusions. These studies suggest that different B‐cell lymphomas can induce CTL of different phenotypes and MHC restriction.