Neopterin release in human mixed lymphocyte culture: requirement of HLA-DR disparity.
Recent evidence suggests that immune responses in vivo as well as in vitro are accompanied by release of neopterin [C. H. Huber, et al. (1983) J. Immunol. 130, 1047]. This investigation aimed to elucidate the genetic control of in vitro neopterin release in family mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) studies. Neopterin levels and responder cell proliferation were assessed in a total of 92 MLCs established from different intrafamilial combinations. Results indicated a strong association between the magnitude of responder cell proliferation and the neopterin levels induced by stimulation with allogeneic cells. This conclusion was based on three findings: first, almost no neopterin release and proliferation was seen in MLCs established between HLA genotypically identical siblings; secondly, very low proliferation and neopterin levels were observed in MLCs between HLA-DR phenotypically identical family members; and thirdly, high neopterin release and strong cellular proliferation were a feature of MLCs established between individuals differing for at least one HLA-DR antigen. We thus conclude that T cell activation subsequent to recognition of HLA-DR disparity represents an essential prerequisite for induction of neopterin release in human MLC.
D001708:Biopterins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D019798:Neopterin; D010641:Phenotype; D011621:Pteridines / Q000378:metabolism*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D011621:Pteridines; D001708:Biopterins; D019798:Neopterin