Role of the H-2 complex in the induction of T cell tolerance to self minor histocompatibility antigens.

Abstract

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses specific for minor histocompatibility (minor H) antigens were used as an experimental approach to determine whether recognition of self MHC [major histocompatibility complex] determinants is involved in the induction of T cell tolerance to self antigens. C3H.SW splenic T cells from C3H.SW .fwdarw. B10 .times. B10.BR radiation bone marrow chimeras contained CTL precursors (pCTL) reactive against self C3H minor H antigens + H-2k, but were tolerant to self C3H minor H antigens + H-2b. Precursor CTL with the reciprocal reactivity pattern were observed for C3H .fwdarw. B10 .times. B10.BR chimeras. C3H.SW thymocytes from C3H.SW .fwdarw. B10 .RTM. B10.BR chimeras could generate minor H-specific CTL responses and were reactive against self C3H minor H antigens + H-2k, but were tolerant to self C3H minor H antigens + H-2b. Apparently, for peripheral and intrathymic T cell populations at least a component of T cell tolerance to self antigens is restricted by products of the MHC.