[Analysis of specific cellular immunity in renal transplant recipients by MLR & CML]

The specific cellular immunity of renal transplant recipients was investigated by MLR & CML. MLR has been thought to reflect the disparity of HLA-D locus between two individuals and CML to represent an in vitro model for graft rejection and graft adaptation. Anti-donor and anti-control reactivities were diminished in MLR immediately after transplantation even during acute rejection. These MLR suppression are probably due to immuno-suppressive drugs. In acute rejection episode, CML reactivity against donor was elevated and well correlated with clinical findings, but on the other hand, MLR reactivity was suppressed. This discrepancy indicates that strong MLR is not needed to induce high CML. The in vitro development of cytotoxic T cells as a result of proliferation in MLR is impaired in long term survivors and quiescent recipients after transplantation. These suppression is directed to specific donor but not to unrelated third party cells. I have demonstrated the MHC restricted CML suppressor T cell by using HLA identical monozygous twin's lymphocyte. This suppressor T cell may prove to be of value in enhancing graft acceptance and play a part of immunomodulations.