Absence of homologous restriction factor does not affect CTL-mediated cytolysis

Homologous restriction factor (HRF) is a membrane protein of erythrocytes and leukocytes that inhibits the complement (C5b-9)-mediated lysis in a species-restricting manner. HRF has also been reported to inhibit perforin-mediated cytolysis and postulated to play a role in cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) self-protection. We show that paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) erythrocytes, lacking HRF, are no more sensitive to Ca2+-dependent human CTL-mediated lysis than normal erythrocytes. Furthermore, mouse and normal human erythrocytes, as well as PNH erythrocytes, are similarly lysed by isolated murine perforin-containing granules. We conclude that HRF does not inhibit perforin-mediated lysis and therefore is not likely to play a role in CTL self-protection.