HLA-D restriction of "naturally occurring" MLR suppressor cells in acquired common variable hypogammaglobulinemia

Cells with capacity to suppress the mixed lymphocyte response (MLR) were detected in two patients with acquired common variable hypogammaglobulinemia (ACVH). No specificity with respect to the stimulating HLA type was observed. In one case of ACVH available for extensive study, there was evidence for HLA-D restriction of the suppressor cells. The patient's lymphocytes specifically suppressed the MLR of subjects who carried the same HLA-D type. Family studies confirmed that the suppressor activity was restricted to HLA-D, not DR, and segregated with the appropriate HLA haplotype. These observations suggest that an immune suppressor gene mapping in the HLA region may be involved in the pathogenesis of common variable hypogammaglobulinemia.