HLA restriction of dinitrophenyl-specific cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro

Lymphocytes from dinitrochlorobenzene-sensitized individuals can be stimulated in vitro by autologous dinitrophenyl (DNP)-conjugated lymphocytes to produce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The activity of these CTLs is specific for DNP-conjugated target cells, and there is no cross-reaction with nitrosodimethylaniline- or trinitrophenyl-conjugated target cell. Evidence is presented which makes it improbable that the cytotoxicity is caused by an antibody-dependent (ADCC-like) mechanism. Most of the DNP-specific cytotoxicity is restricted by the HLA-ABC antigens of th CTL donor, and there is only a low degree of lysis of DNP-conjugated allogeneic target cells not sharing HLA-ABC antigens with the donor. The CTLs did not lyle non-conjugated allogeneic target cells. When CTLs were tested against allogeneic DNP-conjugated targets sharing only one of the HLA-ABC antigens of the CLT donor, it was seen that the phenomenon of preferential restriction was pronounced; that is, only some of the antigens of the donor were restricting. A certain pattern has emerged: some antigens (e.g. A2) are good restricting antigens, some (e.g. B12) do not restrict, and some (e.g. B5) function well in one donor but not in another. The serologically cross-reacting antigens A2 and A28 did not restrict mutually. HLA-C antigens may in some donors function as restricting antigens.