Clonal expansion of T cells of unknown specificity and identification of ligand recognized by the clonally expanded T cells

摘要

A process for clonally expanding T cells of unknown specificity is provided which comprises co-culturing said T cells of unknown specificity with combinatorial randomized peptide library, Xn, an interleukin, and MHC class II antigen-expressing cells with DNA synthesis being suspended, said cells being derived from the individual where said T cells are obtained, and optionally in the presence of anti-CD29 antibody having an agonist activity. A process for identifying a peptide ligand recognized by said T cell clone of unknown specificity is also provided.