Cytotoxic T-cell response to H–Y in ‘non-responder’ CBA mice

Abstract

Murine cytotoxic T-cell (T_c cell) responses to various antigens are controlled by immune response genes (Ir) mapping in the major histocompatibility complex (H–2). Both helper T cells, controlled by I region-coded genes, and T_c cells, controlled by K/D antigens, are necessary for a positive response. An H–2-restricted T_c-cell response to the male specific minor transplantation antigen (H–Y) can be elicited in B10 (H–2^b) female mice primed with syngeneic male spleen cells intraperitoneally (i.p.) or intravenously (i.v.), or by skin grafting followed by restimulation in vitro in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLR) with male cells¹. CBA (H–2^k) mice do not respond by these routes of in vivo priming, and this was thought to be due to a lack of permissible Ir genes for helper function². However, we now report that subcutaneous hind-footpad (fp) immunisation of ‘non-responder’ CBA mice with syngeneic male cells changes them to responders, a result which argues against a generalised Ir gene-controlled helper defect.