T helper and T suppressor cells are restricted by the A and E molecules, respectively, in the F antigen system

Abstract

The role of the A and E molecules as restriction elements was examined in the F antigen system. In the mouse the only responder haplotype known to date isk, and blocking studies with a monoclonal antibody show that in vitro T-cell proliferation is restricted by the A^k molecule. The (CBA × DBA/2) F₁ hybrid, which is a responder x nonresponder cross, is itself a nonresponder in terms of E-specific antibody production. Up to 10 days after priming, (CBA × DBA/2) F₁ T cells exhibited an E-specific proliferative response, but this diminished rapidly at later times. This diminution could be blocked with an E-specific monoclonal antibody, suggesting that suppression is restricted by the E molecule.