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H-2-restricted graft-versus-host reaction: foreign determinants and restriction elements.
Immunogenetics
|January 1, 1983
Summary
T cells cause lethal graft-versus-host reactions when recipients share restriction elements and foreign antigens with donors. Class I molecules act as restriction elements, while both class I and II molecules can be foreign antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation immunology
Background:
- Graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) is a critical complication in bone marrow transplantation.
- Understanding the molecular basis of T cell recognition is crucial for preventing GVHR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the requirements for T cell-mediated lethal graft-versus-host reactions.
- To determine the roles of restriction elements and foreign antigens in GVHR.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing radiation chimeras with purified T cells.
- Assessing GVHR in irradiated recipients protected by bone marrow transplants.
- Analyzing the genetic compatibility between T cell donors and recipients regarding restriction elements and foreign antigens.
Main Results:
- Nylon-wool-purified T cells induced lethal GVHR only when recipients shared a restriction element with the donor and expressed foreign antigens.
- Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules (H-2K and H-2D) functioned as restriction elements.
- Restriction by class II MHC molecules was not demonstrated.
- Class II molecules, H-2K, and non-H-2 determinants could serve as foreign antigens.
Conclusions:
- T cell recognition in GVHR requires both shared restriction elements and foreign antigens.
- Class I MHC molecules play a dual role as restriction elements and potential foreign antigens.
- Class II MHC molecules can act as foreign antigens but not as restriction elements in this context.