Major histocompatibility complex regulation of interleukin-5 production in the mouse

Abstract

Lymph node cells of CBA (H‐2^k), but not of BALB/c (H‐2^d) mice immunized epicutaneously with picryl chloryde secrete interleukin (IL)‐5 when stimulated with the specific antigen in vitro. The low IL‐5 production in BALB/c mice persists when either picryl chloride or the unrelated antigen oxazolone are used, when the amount of antigen in vitro is varied and when a secondary response is studied. The difference in IL‐5 production maps to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in the congenic BALB/b, BALB/c and BALB/k mice. Furthermore, lymph node cells from (k × d) F₁ mice produce IL‐5 when stimulated by antigen presented on H‐2^k but not on H‐2^d antigen‐presenting cells. Finally, the low IL‐5 production in vitro in BALB/c mice is correlated with low picryl‐specific IgA levels in vivo, which otherwise are ten times greater in CBA and BALB/k mice. The influence of MHC on IL‐5 production and IgA secretion in the mouse might be a possible basis for the association of MHC with IgA deficiency in humans.