Involvement of H-2L gene products in virus-immune T-cell recognition. Evidence for an H-2L-restricted T-cell response.

Abstract

The H-2L locus is closely linked to H-2D and codes for antigenic specificities present on a 45,000 MW glycoprotein that is distinct from the molecule which bears the D region private specificity. BALB/c-H-2db mice, which lack detectable cell-surface H-2L gene products, were able to generate influenza- and vaccinia-immune cytotoxic T [thymus derived] cells which lyse D region-compatible target cells, although they were reported to be incapable of making a similar response to ectromelia virus. Thus, the lack of H-2L antigenic spcificities does not produce a general loss of responsiveness for other viruses even when a highly cross-reactive poxvirus (vaccinia) was studied. Antisera-blocking experiments utilizing sera specific for L or D molecules indicated that BALB/c mice generate influenza virus-immune cytotoxic T-cell subsets which independently recognize H-2L gene products in associated with viral antigens. These results are the 1st indication that products of the H-2L locus can operate analogously to H-2K/D gene products in virus-immune T-cell recognition.