STIMULATED RENAL TUBULAR EPITHELIAL-CELLS INDUCE ANERGY IN CD4-CELLS(T)

Renal tubular epithelial cells (TEC) can express MHC class II molecule s in vitro and in vivo. Their ability to also secrete cytokines and ex press adhesion molecules suggests a possible immune accessory role for TEC. We have previously documented that TEC process and present antig en to T cell hybridomas. However, engagement of the T cell receptor al one is sufficient to induce IL-2 secretion by T cell hybridomas. We no w report that presentation of antigen by TEC to a CD4+ T cell clone re sults in functional inactivation of the T cells. Despite antigen-speci fic anergy, these T cells are viable and proliferate in response to IL -2. Furthermore, allogeneic antigen presenting cells were unable to re store the T cell proliferative response, suggesting that the mechanism (s) was not entirely costimulator-dependent.