Expansion/deletion of mature T cells exposed to endogenous superantigens in vivo.
Previous studies have shown that in thymectomized hosts exposure of mature T cells to Mlsa (mtv-7) Ag in vivo leads to specific tolerance and the disappearance of Mlsa-reactive V beta 6+ T cells after an initial phase of T cell expansion. To investigate the factors controlling postthymic elimination of mature T cells, we examined T cell responses to Mlsa and other endogenous superantigens in a number of different strain combinations. The results show that the extent of T cell expansion/deletion is influenced by various factors, including the H-2 haplotype of the host and the particular V beta studied. Collectively, the results suggest that the extent of elimination of mature T cells is variable and may be a function of high avidity interactions with APC.
Webb
S R
SR
Department of Immunology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Hutchinson
J
J
Hayden
K
K
Sprent
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006183:H-2 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006239:Haplotypes; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D016747:Minor Lymphocyte Stimulatory Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology*; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D016827:CD8 Antigens; D006183:H-2 Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; C024138:I-E-antigen; D016747:Minor Lymphocyte Stimulatory Antigens; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D018089:Superantigens