TCR antagonism and T cell tolerance can be independently induced in a DR-restricted, hemagglutinin-specific T cell clone.
The outcome of TCR engagement with peptide-MHC is of central importance for the immune response of the host. TCR antagonism is one phenomenon known which is characterized by selective inhibition of T cell responses by non-stimulatory antigen analogs. T cell anergy is another state resulting in T cell unresponsiveness, generally characterized by lack of proliferation and lymphokine production. In the present study, the relationship between TCR antagonism and T cell anergy was examined by using protocols known to induce either phenomenon. Re-isolation experiments demonstrated that antagonized T cells were not tolerized, in that they were fully capable of responding to a subsequent antigen challenge. Conversely, while high doses of soluble antigen could efficiently induce T cell tolerance, TCR antagonists, either alone or in conjunction with suboptimal antigen doses, could not. Taken together, these data demonstrate that TCR antagonism and T cell tolerance are phenomena independent of each other.
Alexander
J
J
Cytel, San Diego, CA 92121.
Ruppert
J
J
Snoke
K
K
Sette
A
A
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002461:Cell Line, Transformed; D017635:Clonal Anergy / Q000502:physiology*; D002999:Clone Cells; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D006388:Hemagglutinins / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000941:Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D006388:Hemagglutinins; D010455:Peptides; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell