Avidity for antigen can influence the helper dependence of CD8+ T lymphocytes.
To examine the influence of avidity on the helper dependence of CD8+ T cells, purified CD8+ T cells from transgenic mice expressing a TCR specific for H-2Kb were tested for their responsiveness to spleen cells expressing different densities of H-2Kb. High avidity interactions resulted in the induction of strong proliferative responses by purified CD8+ T cells. These cells synthesized their own IL-2 and IL-2R. By contrast, low avidity interactions failed to induce proliferation or detectable IL-2 synthesis, although IL-2R were induced and addition of rIL-2 induced a proliferative response. These results are consistent with a model in which TCR avidity for Ag can determine the helper dependence of a CD8+ T cell.
Heath
W R
WR
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Kjer-Nielsen
L
L
Hoffmann
M W
MW
D000818:Animals; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006183:H-2 Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000502:physiology*
D016827:CD8 Antigens; D006183:H-2 Antigens; C032876:H-2Kb protein, mouse; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2