Rapid detection, enrichment and propagation of specific T cell subsets based on cytokine secretion

Summary T cell lines with defined cytokine profiles are an invaluable tool for assessing the control of immune responses both in vitro and in vivo . Production of such cell lines can be complex and time‐consuming. Here we present a powerful technique to assay the cytokines produced by T cells activated polyclonally or with specific antigens. This paper presents a detailed methodology for the identification and isolation of cytokine‐producing T cells activated with the artificial superantigen, CytoStim, or viral and fungal antigens. These cells can be analysed for different cytokines simultaneously, or cultured further to rapidly establish T cell lines making known cytokine types. We highlight the enumeration, isolation and phenotype of interleukin‐17‐producing T cells, and the rapid generation of virus‐specific Th1 T cell lines.