A novel T-cell-defined HLA-DR polymorphism not predicted from the linear amino acid sequence

Hum Immunol. 1989 Sep;26(1):47-58. doi: 10.1016/0198-8859(89)90032-3.

Abstract

Recent investigations have shown that alloreactive T cells are capable of responding to structures defined by specific linear amino acid sequences on class II molecules. In the present study we show that also a polymorphism can be recognized that is not defined by such linear amino acid sequences. Two human T-cell clones, sensitized to DRw13 haplotypes, are described. The description of clone c50 serves to exemplify the first model. This DRB1-specific clone responds to stimulator cells that carry DR molecules, different in their DRB1 first and second hypervariable regions (HV1 and HV2) but identical in their HV3 regions (i.e., DRw13,Dw18; DRw13,Dw19; DR4,Dw10; and DRw11,LDVII). The second clone, c1443, behaves nonconventionally. It responds to DRw13,Dw18; DRw13,Dw19; and DR4,Dw4 stimulator cells, although no specific amino acid sequence is shared between these specificities. The latter pattern of reactivity suggests the existence of a novel polymorphism recognized by alloreactive T cells. This particular polymorphism may also be biologically significant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Clone Cells
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • HLA-DR Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-DR Antigens / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / analysis
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Epitopes
  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell