The Journal of Immunology, Vol 138, Issue 5 1355-1362, Copyright © 1987 by American Association of Immunologists

ARTICLES

Graft-vs-host reaction limited to a class II MHC difference results in a selective deficiency in L3T4+ but not in Lyt-2+ T helper cell function

M Moser, T Mizuochi, SO Sharrow, A Singer and GM Shearer

Hybrid mice of the (B6 X bm12)F1 combination were inoculated i.v. with parental B6 spleen cells to induce a class II graft-vs-host disease (GVH). Such mice failed to generate in vitro cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses that were dependent upon L3T4+ T helper cell (Th) function (e.g., anti-B6-TNP) but were capable of generating in vitro CTL responses that could be mediated by Lyt-2+ Th cells (anti-allo class I). When Th function was assayed directly by interleukin 2 (IL 2) secretion, class II GVH animals were found to be deficient in L3T4+ but not Lyt-2+ IL 2-secreting Th cells. This selective deficiency in L3T4+ Th function correlates with a selective decrease in class II GVH mice of host-derived derived L3T4+ T cells. In addition, it was found that the spleens of class II GVH mice contained cells capable of selectively suppressing L3T4+ Th function. In contrast, mice in which a class I + II GVH occurred were depleted of both L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ Th function as assessed by IL 2 production. The findings that class II GVH selectively depletes L3T4+ T cells and T cell functions are discussed with respect to the immune function of distinct T cell subsets in normal and diseased states.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. M. Meyers, J. E. Tomaszewski, J. D. Glass, and C. W. Chen The Nephritogenic T Cell Response in Murine Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease J. Immunol., November 15, 1998; 161(10): 5321 - 5330. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]