Association of HLA-DR antigens with the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction

Abstract
The association of HLA-DR antigens with the proliferative response of T cells in autologous mixed lymphocyte cultures was studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 100 normal healthy individuals were typed for HLA-DR antigens and autologous mixed lymphocyte cultures were established. A low proliferative response from autologous cultures was found with individuals bearing HLA-DR3 antigens and in individuals with only 1 identifiable HLA-DR antigen. In contrast, a strong proliferative response was associated with HLA-DR6 and 2 identifiable HLA-DR antigens. HLA-DR3 antigens are apparently associated with a weak immune response gene and HLA-DR6 antigens are apparently associated with a strong immune response gene.