Cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for self tumor immunoglobulin express T cell receptor δ chain

CTL are thought to play a role in the elimination of transformed cells in vivo. The effectiveness of such CTL is in part dependent on recognition of tumor specific antigens. Among the best characterized tumor-specific antigens are the unique or idiotypic determinants on the Ig of B cell lymphomas. Here we describe the generation and properties of human CTL specific for the idiotype on autologous B cell tumors. These cells are CD3⁺, CD4^-, CD8^- and express the δ chain of the TCR. Such cells may prove useful in tumor-specific adoptive therapy.