Macrophages and T cells do not express Mlsa determinants

In order to test the tissue distribution of Mlsa determinants, we have generated highly purified stimulator cell populations. First, Mlsa expression in bone marrow derived macrophages (M phi) of Mlsa genotype was tested in primary MLR and on Mlsa-specific T cell hybridomas (THy). Second, a similar experimental approach was used to analyze thioglycolate, peptone or Con A elicited peritoneal M phi. In all cases, these M phi cell populations were able to generate an excellent alloresponse, whereas no functional Mlsa determinants could be detected. Third, to further investigate whether the expression of Mlsa is lymphocyte specific, but dependent on expression of class II molecules, we have transfected I-Ek alpha and beta cDNA into a panel of thymomas of Mlsa genotype. Although we achieved a high level of surface I-Ek expression in all of these T cell tumors, none of them was able to trigger the Mlsa-specific THy. These results strongly suggest that Mlsa expression is limited to B cells. It is likely that Mlsa is a tissue-specific self-peptide that associates with class II molecules.