Differential requirements for antigen processing by macrophages for lysozyme-specific T cell hybridomas

We have now examined the handling and processing by macrophages of the small protein hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) composed of 129 amino acids. We have generated T cell hybridomas reactive against HEL presented by macrophages in the context of I-A(k). In evaluating these hybrids, we have found the need for processing native HEL, a differential requirement for the processing of the denatured form, and the lack of requirement for processing of a tryptic digest of HEL.