H-2 effects on cell-cell interactions in the response to single non-H-2 alloantigens

Individual mice were tested for their proliferative T-cell response to H-Y- and H-3-incompatible stimulator cells in secondary mixed lymphocyte culture. Responders expressing the H-2 ^bhaplotype were restricted in their response to stimulators presenting H-Y and H-3 in the context of H-2 ^b. Lymphocytes from individual B10 females proliferated in response to H-Y presented with I-A ^band D ^b. The ratio of I-A ^b/D ^b-restricted responses varied between individual responders, indicating significant qualitative variation between genetically identical responders. The majority of the proliferative response in all tested mice was restricted to the entire H-2 ^bhaplotype suggesting complementation of I-A ^b- and D ^b-region genes in presenting the H-Y antigen. Similar observations were made in the response of individual B10.LP mice to the H-3 antigen. H-3-specific, proliferating T cells were restricted to H-3 antigen presented with K ^bA^band D ^bwith significant variation between individuals in their preference for H-3 plus K ^bA^band D ^b. In contrast to the response to H-Y, the proliferative response to H-3 plus H-2 ^bcould be accounted for by the summation of the proliferative responses to H-3. plus K ^bA^band D ^b. These observations demonstrate that the proliferative response to non-H-2 H antigens in the context of I-region determinants is not a sine qua non for the T-cell response to these antigens. Further, the individual qualitative and quantitative variation observed with individual genetically identical mice has strong implications for our knowledge of intrastrain variation in immune responsiveness and the characterization of inbred strains for immune responsiveness.     

H-2 Effects on cell-cell interactions in the response to single non-H-2 alloantigens

Mice expressing mutant H-2Kb alleles were tested for their ability to generate cytotoxic effector T-cells specific for the non-H-2 histocompatibility alloantigen H-4.2. Cytotoxic effectors specific for H-4.2 are preferentially restricted by the Kb allele. Mutant Kb alleles were observed to differentially regulate the magnitude of the H-4.2-specific cytotoxic effector response. Mice expressing the Kbm5, Kbm6, Kbm7, and Kbm9 alleles generated cytotoxic T-cells to the same level as mice expressing the wild-type Kb allele. Kbm8 and Kbm11 responders generated intermediate levels of effectors, whereas Kbm1, Kbm3, and Kbm10 responders did not generate detectable levels of cytotoxic effectors. Kbm4 responders produced high levels of H-4.2-specific cytotoxic effectors that were variably reactive with wild-type Kb antigens with no H-4.2. The ability to generate H-4.2-specific effectors generally correlated with (1) the ability of mutant Kb molecules to present H-4.2 to wild-type Kb-restricted effectors, and (2) the position of the respective amino acid interchanges on the Kb molecule. Mutations that altered the amino acid sequence in the vicinity of the disulfide bond in the C1 domain had the greatest deleterious effects on Kb-controlled responsiveness to H-4.2. The only exception was the Kbm11 intermediate responder, which differs from Kbm3 in both responsiveness and in a single amino acid interchange. Therefore, the amino acid sequence in the vicinity of the disulfide bond in the C1 domain plays a prominent role in determining the H-4.2-specific immune response potential. These observations are the first to clearly demonstrate association between particular MHC gene product, amino acid sequences and immune responsiveness.     

H-2 effects on cell-cell interactions in the response to single non-H2 alloantigens. IV. Variations in the proliferative response to H-Y and H-3

Individual mice were tested for their proliferation T-cell response to H-Y- and H-3-incompatible stimulator cells in secondary mixed lymphocyte culture. Responders expressing the H-2b haplotype were restricted in their response to stimulators presenting H-Y and H-3 in the context of H-2b. Lymphocytes from individual B10 females proliferated in response to H-Y presented with I-Ab and Db. The ratio of I-Ab/Db-restricted responses varied between individual responders, indicating significant qualitative variation between genetically identical responders. The majority of the proliferative response in all tested mice was restricted to the entire H-2b haplotype suggesting complementation of I-Ab- and Db-region genes in presenting the H-Y antigen. Similar observations were made in the response of individual B10.LP mice to the H-3 antigen. H-3-specific, proliferating T cells were restricted to H-3 antigen presented with KbAb and Db with significant variation between individuals in proliferative response to H-3 plus KbAb and Db. In contrast to the response to H-Y, the proliferative response to H-3 plus H-2b could be accounted for by the summation of the proliferative responses to H-3 plus KbAb and Db. These observations demonstrate that the proliferative response to non-H-2H antigens in the context of I-region determinants is not a sine qua non for the T-cell response to these antigens. Further, the individual qualitative and quantitative variation observed with individual genetically identical mice has strong implications for our knowledge of intrastrain variation in immune responsiveness and the characterization of inbred strains for immune responsiveness.     

Activation of natural killer (NK) cells in vivo with H-2 and non-H-2 alloantigens

Intraperitoneal inoculation of allogeneic lymphoid cells rapidly activates cytotoxic cells in the peritoneum which are nonadherent and express the NK-1, asialo-GM₁, and Thy-1 antigens. Allogeneic spleen cells were very efficient at activating these natural killer (NK) cells, while allogeneic thymocytes were much less effective. Heat-killed allogeneic cells or sonicates also could augment NK activity. — Incompatibility atH-2K, H-2I-A, orH- 2D readily evoked NK cell activity, whileH-2S- andH-2I-E/C-associated disparities did not. Non-H- 2 differences also stimulated NK activity and augmentation was particularly evident inMls-disparate combinations. Thus, the same alloantigens which efficiently activate T cells also activate NK cells.     

Genetic regulation of the antibody response to H-2Db alloantigens in mice

The cytotoxic antibody response to the H-2D^b alloantigen has been investigated in ten strains of the C57BL/10 background. Three types of responses could be distinguished: no detectable response, an IgM response, and an IgG response. The IgG response is influenced by the D and probably the I-A region of the H-2 complex, whereas the IgM response is dependent on the allele for the E chain. The hypothesis is proposed that regulatory T cells, which recognize the antigen in context of self MHC molecules, determine the outcome of an anti-H-2D^b immunization in which the I-E molecule restricts the IgM response and the I-A molecule restricts the IgG response; the D molecule is probably responsible for activation of suppressor T cells which suppress only the IgG response.     

Genetic regulation of the antibody response to H-2Db alloantigens in mice. IV. Antigens that activate helper T cells for IgG, coded for by the non-H-2 genome

When B10.A(5R) mice are immunized with congenic C57BL/10 cells only 2-ME-sensitive antibodies (IgM type) are found directed against H-2Db. To obtain 2-ME-resistant antibodies (IgG type) 5R mice must be immunized with noncongenic cells (e.g., A.BY); in this case non-H-2 cell surface antigens will activate helper T cells to induce anti-Db IgG antibody production by B cells. An attempt was made to define helper antigens that activate helper T cells. Neither N-2 antigens of seven H-2Db recombinant strains nor a limited set of non-H-2 cell surface antigens were able to serve as helper antigens. By using individual backcross mice as antigen, one helper antigen was found on the background of strain A under the conditions used, whereas other backgrounds may carry more than one antigen. The helper antigen is dominantly expressed in F1 mice and has to be presented on the same cell as H-2Db to induce the switch from IgM to IgG.     

Murine responses to (Tyr-Glu-Ala-Gly)n: II. H-2 and non-H-2 gene effects

Mice of the H-2^b haplotype responded to the sequential polymer poly(Tyr-Glu-Ala-Gly) in the in vitro T-cell proliferative assay, irrespective of whether they were homozygous or heterozygous at the H-2^b locus. The antibody responses of the H-2^b congenic mice to this polymer were variable, with A.BY and BALB.B showing responses better than those of C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 strains. The antibody responses of the F₁ progeny of (responder × nonresponder) strains of mice to this polymer are generally lower than the responder parents. F₁ mice with C57BL/10 background were the poorest responders. Studies with F₂ mice and backcross progenies of selective breeding of high and low antibody responder (C57BL/6 × BALB/c) F₁ to high responder C57BL/6 mice indicated that both non-H-2 genes and H-2 gene dosage effects influenced the magnitude of the humoral antibody responses. Animals having low responder non-H-2 background and only half the dosage of the responder immune response genes has greatly diminished antibody responses.     

Genetic analysis of the non-H-2-linked Ir genes controlling the cytotoxic T-cell response to H-Y in H-2 d mice

The T-cell mediated immune responses to the male specific minor histocompatibility antigen H-Y in mice have been studied extensively as a model for immune responses to other weak antigens like tumor antigens or autoantigens. In a recent analysis of the strain distribution of the cytotoxic T-cell (Tc-cell) responsiveness to H-Y, it has been found that genes both within and outside the H-2 complex exert an interactive control. Whereas the H-2 ^b strains all are high responders, independent of their non-H-2 background, other H-2 haplotypes (d, k, and s) only allow for a response if they are combined with certain non-H-2 genes. The H-2-linked immune response genes (Ir-genes) have been previously mapped to the I and K or D region of the H-2 complex, but the mapping of the non-H-2 genes has not yet been established. In this study evidence is presented, using recombinant inbred strains and immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) congenic strains of mice, to show that there is more than one non-H-2 Ir-gene involved, that the main controlling genes are not linked to the Igh complex, and that at least one non-H-2 Ir-gene is linked to the H-3 region on chromosome 2. This region includes genes for beta-2-microglobulin (2m), the Ly-mllalloantigen a polymorphic cell surface glycoprotein (Pgp-1), a B-cell specific antigen Ly-4, a transplantation antigen H-3, and genes (Ir-2) controlling the immune response to Ea-1 and H-13.     

Sex-dependent effects of non-H-2 loci on lethal GVH reaction induced across an H-2 barrier

We have studied the influence of DBA/2 non-H-2 antigens on the lethal graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) developed across an H-2 barrier. (DBA/2 x B10.D2)F₁ x B10.D2 (H-2 ^d) backcross (BC) mice were typed for their allelic constitution at nine genetically independent chromosome markers and used as individual cell donors simultaneously for two to three (DBA/2 X B10.D2)F₁ recipients incompatible for DBA/2 non-H-2 antigens alone and two to three (DBA/2 x B10.BR)F₁ recipients incompatible for DBA/2 non-H-2 antigens and H-2^k. The results showed that, when compared with that developed in a control group incompatible for H-2 ^kalone [B10.D2(B10.D2xB10.BR)F₁], the GVHR mortality seen in the presence of an additional incompatibility for DBA/2 non-H-2 antigens [(DBA/2 X B10.BR)F₁recipients] is significantly delayed but only in female mice. An analysis of individual BC donors indicated that this protective effect of DBA/2 non-H-2 antigens correlates with incompatibility for gene(s) linked to the Pgm-1 chromosome marker. In contrast, incompatibility for gene(s) linked to Mod-1 and Es-3 markers accelerates GVHR mortality, but only in male mice. Finally, the results obtained with (DBA/2 x B10.D2)F₁ and (DBA/2 x B10.BR)F₁ recipients were compared; they showed that the intensity of the GVHR developed by cells from individual BC donors against a given set of DBA/2 non-H-2 antigens correlates well with that developed by the same BC donor against the same set of non-H-2 antigens plus H-2^k. We conclude that certain non-H-2 genes (and antigens) can modulate the intensity of the GVHR developed across an H-2 barrier. The number of such genes is probably great; their effects are strong and complex, and can be sex-dependent.     

Identification of a single non-H-2 gene regulating graft-versus-host disease response

Non-MHC loci have been shown to play an important role in the development and regulation of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). In the murine model of GVHD under study, injection of C57BL/6 spleen cells into unirradiated (C57BL/6 x DBA/2)F1 hybrid recipient mice results in an acute form of GVHD characterized by CTL, suppressor cells, and runting. In contrast, injection of DBA/2 spleen cells into the same recipients results in a chronic form of GVHD that is characterized by a lack of CTL and hyperproduction of Ig and autoantibodies. After preliminary studies with the use of congenic mice showed that non-MHC loci were controlling GVHD responses in this model, genetic analysis of GVHD response of BXD recombinant inbred strains and (B10.D2 x DBA/2) X DBA/2 BC mice identified a single locus, Gvh, on chromosome 7 that controls whether acute or chronic GVHD results from injection of parental lymphocytes into unirradiated (C57BL/6 x DBA/2)F1 recipient mice.     

Immunodominance in the T-Cell response to multiple non-H-2 histocompatibility antigens

Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with BALB.B spleen cells in vivo and subsequent boosting in mixed lymphocyte culture result in the generation of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs) which are specific for a limited number of immunodominant antigens. Experiments are described which suggest the existence of a hierarchy of immunodominance in this donor: host combination. Two antigens, CTT-1.3 and CTT-2.3, are dominant in the C57BL/6 anti-BALB.B CTL response. The distribution of these antigens among CXB recombinant inbred (RI) strains suggests that they segregate as single gene traits. Elimination of the CTT-1.3 and CTT-2.3 antigens by complementation in the responder, or elimination from the priming and boosting stages by the selection.of CXB RI strain mice as responders or stimulators, reveals a second level of immunodominant antigens which include CTT-3.3 and CTT-4.3. CXB mice which express one of the CTT-1.3 or CTT-2.3 antigens will produce CTLs specific for the other antigen upon priming and boosting with BALB.B cells. Expression of both antigens in responders results in the generation of CTLs specific for the second level, dominant antigens. Immunodominance is not confined to the C57BL/6 anti-BALB.B system but can also be observed in the BALB.B anti-C57BL/6 and B10.D2 anti-DBA/2 systems. Finally, generation of CTLs following priming and boosting with dominant and dominated antigens presented on different cells confirmed that immunodominance can only be observed when the dominant and dominated antigens are presented on the same cells. These observations suggest that immunodominance is revealed at the level of antigen-presenting cells primarily involved in vivo priming.     

Genotypic influences on reproductive aging of inbred female mice: effects of H-2 and non-H-2 alleles

The H-2 (major histocompatibility) complex of mice influences a variety of physiologic parameters. This study describes the influences of H-2 polymorphisms and other genetic influences on age-related changes (5-20 mo) in estrous cycles and fecundity. We monitored estrous cycles of virgin or retired-breeder mice of congenic strains on the background of C57BL/10Sn (B10):B10.BR/Sg (B10.BR) and B10.RIII/Sn (B10.RIII). For another comparison, we examined the C57BL/6J (B6) strain, which has the same H-2 haplotype as the B10. Estrous cycles were categorized by length during 10 mo of observations. From 5 to 15 mo of age, B10 and B10.RIII mice displayed a preponderance of 5-day cycles, B10.BR mice displayed a preponderance of 4-day cycles, and B6 mice had diminishing numbers of 4-day cycles. Age-related acyclicity differed with strain, particularly among retired breeders; B6 mice had an earlier onset and more rapid increase of acyclicity with age than the B10 congenic mice. Litters/female, maternal age at last litter, and total pups/female differed with strain; B10.BR and B10.RIII were similar and both had greater values than B10 mice. In conclusion, reproductive senescence of female mice was influenced by genes at the H-2 locus and elsewhere.     

Role of H-2 and non-H-2 genes in the control of blood magnesium levels

Red blood cell (RBC) and plasma (P) magnesium levels have been determined in 372 male mice of 13 inbred and H-2 congenic strains with C3H or B10 genetic backgrounds. Several groups of individuals belonging to the same strains have been tested at various times over a 2-year period to verify the results. Time and interstrain variations are highly significant for both RBC and P Mg. Statistical analyses made either with or without corrections for the time effect show that the largest variations are due to the genetic background (P < 10^–10), the effect of the H-2 complex being smaller but nevertheless highly significant (P < 10^–4 to 10^–6), except for the RBC Mg of the strains with B10 background. These findings can be compared with those previously obtained in man, and they demonstrate the high heritability of blood Mg concentration and its association with the major histocompatibility complex or with closely linked genes.     

Effects of H-2 complex and non-H-2 background on urethane-induced chromosomal aberrations in mice

The incidence of in vivo urethane-induced chromosomal aberrations was examined in H-2 congenic strains of mice with B10 and A backgrounds. Chromosome analysis of bone-marrow cells could divide 7 lines of A.H-2 congenic strains into 2 groups: one with a higher frequency of chromosomal aberrations such as in A/Wy (haplotype H-2a), A/J (H-2a), A.AL (H-2al) and A.TL (H-2tl), and the other consisting of A.TH (H-2t2), A.CA (H-2f), A.BY (H-2b) and A.SW (H-2s). The same tendency was also observed in the spleen cells. Among B10.H-2 congenic mice, B10.A (H-2a), B10.BR (H-2k), B10.A(3R) (H-2i3), B10.A(5R) (H-2i5) and B10.S(9R) (H-2t4) exhibited significantly higher rates of induced chromosomal aberrations than those in B10 (H-2b), B10.S (H-2s), B10.A(2R) (H-2h2), B10.A(4R) (H-2h4) and B10.S(7R) (H-2t2). To determine the effect on non-H-2 genetic backgrounds on urethane-induced chromosomal aberrations, 4 pairs of strains which have the same H-2 haplotypes, such as in B10 vs. A.BY (H-2b), B10.A vs. A/Wy (H-2a), B10.S vs. A.SW (H-2s), and B10.S(7R) vs. A.TH (H-2t2), were compared. The strains with a B10 background exhibited significantly higher frequencies of deletions and lower frequencies of exchanges than the strains with an A background. These data suggested that at least two genes are involved in the regulation of urethane-induced chromosomal aberrations in mice, one of which is mapped between the S and D regions in the H-2 complex, and another not belonging to H-2.