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.
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.
D000818:Animals; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000950:Antigens, Ly / Q000276:immunology*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D006087:Graft vs Host Reaction; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation; D051379:Mice; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000950:Antigens, Ly; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D007376:Interleukin-2