THE ROLE OF MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY ANTIGENS IN CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY TO VIRUS INFECTIONS

Abstract

–Murine thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells) generated in response to virus infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis- or pox virus in vivo can specifically lyse virus-infected target cells in vitro only when both are compatible for the K and/or D regions of the major histocompatibility complex (H-2). Also in vivo adoptive induction of immunopathology and adoptive transfer of anti-viral protection or of delayed-type hypersensitivity are restricted to H-2K or H-2D compatible donor-recipient combinations. This unexpected association of major transplantation antigens and viruses in defining the antigenic specificity of T cells is unexplained. Two hypotheses have been proposed: 1) Physiologica..