H-2 COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENT FOR VIRUS-SPECIFIC T-CELL-MEDIATED EFFECTOR FUNCTIONS INVIVO .1. SPECIFICITY OF T-CELLS CONFERRING ANTIVIRAL PROTECTION AGAINST LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS IS ASSOCIATED WITH H-2K AND H-2D

Abstract

Adoptive immunization of recipient mice preinfected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is mediated exclusively by virus-specific thymus-derived [T] lymphocytes, when assayed in a short-term transfer model. Protection, measured as reduction of LCMV plaque-forming units in spleens, is conferred only if donors of immune spleen cells and recipients share the K or the D region of the H-2 gene complex. I region compatibility is not necessary or sufficient. The F1 .fwdarw. Parent combination is as effective as a syngeneic system. Admixture of a 6-fold excess of immune allogeneic cells did not impair the protective effect exerted by syngeneic immune spleen cells in vivo. Allogeneic spleen cells or target cells added in syngeneic systems in vitro did not allogeneically inhibit or suppress cytolytic activity. H-2 mutant mice B6.H-2bf did not protect wild type H-2Kb B10.A(5r) or vice versa. These mice define the gene(s) coding for the relevant cell-surface structure involved. Immune T cells, which are specific for virally altered cell-surface self structures apparently impair virus growth in vivo by lysing target cells, probably before infectious virus is released, or alternatively via activities exerted by lymphokines.