Cytotoxic T-cell response to H-Y in 'non-responder' CBA mice

Murine cytotoxic T-cell (Tc cell) responses to various antigens are controlled by immune response genes (Ir) mapping in the major histocompatibility complex (H-2). Both helper T cells, controlled by I region-coded genes, and Tc cells, controlled by K/D antigens, are necessary for a positive response. An H-2-restricted Tc-cell response to the male specific minor transplantation antigen (H-Y) can be elicited in B10 (H-2b) female mice primed with syngeneic male spleen cells intraperitoneally (i.p.) or intravenously (i.v.), or by skin grafting followed by restimulation in vitro in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLR) with male cells. CBA (H-2k) mice do not respond by these routes of in vivo priming, and this was thought to be due to a lack of permissible Ir genes for helper function. However, we now report that subcutaneous hind-footpad (fp) immunisation of 'non-responder' CBA mice with syngeneic male cells changes them to responders, a result which argues against a generalised Ir gene-controlled helper defect.