Production of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta by clones of EBV transformed, human B cells.

ABSTRACT

An EBV transformed B-cell line was derived from peripheral blood cells from a single donor. B-cell clones were isolated from that line and analyzed for transcription of IL-1 genes, production of biologically detectable IL-1 and antigen presenting capabilities. One clone was found to secrete IL-1 activity into tissue culture medium, and to express the gene for IL-1 alpha. Three other clones were positive for cell surface IL-1 activity but no activity could be detected in culture supernatants. Those clones express the gene for IL-1 beta but not IL-1 alpha. All clones were approximately equal in their ability to present antigen to resting and primed T cells.