Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I KbDb -/- deficient mice possess functional CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells.
We obtained mice deficient for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules encoded by the H-2K and H-2D genes. H-2 KbDb -/- mice express no detectable classical MHC class I-region associated (Ia) heavy chains, although beta2-microglobulin and the nonclassical class Ib proteins examined are expressed normally. KbDb -/- mice have greatly reduced numbers of mature CD8+ T cells, indicating that selection of the vast majority (>90%) of CD8+ T cells cannot be compensated for by beta2-microglobulin-associated molecules other than classical H-2K and D locus products. In accord with the greatly reduced number of CD8+ T cells, spleen cells from KbDb -/- mice do not generate cytotoxic responses in primary mixed-lymphocyte cultures against MHC-disparate (allogeneic) cells. However, in vivo priming of KbDb -/- mice with allogeneic cells resulted in strong CD8+ MHC class Ia-specific allogeneic responses. Thus, a minor population of functionally competent peripheral CD8+ T cells capable of strong cytotoxic activity arises in the complete absence of classical MHC class Ia molecules. KbDb -/- animals also have natural killer cells that retain their cytotoxic potential.
Vugmeyster
Y
Y
Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Glas
R
R
Pérarnau
B
B
Lemonnier
F A
FA
Eisen
H
H
Ploegh
H
H
D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006183:H-2 Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011995:Recombination, Genetic
D006183:H-2 Antigens