A Molecular Analysis of the Cytolytic T Lymphocyte Response

Abstract

Publisher Summary The use of liposomes to study cytolytic T-lymphocytes (CTL) specificity suggests that allogeneic major histocompatability complex (MHC) antigens alone may be able to stimulate or be recognized by CTLs. It has been proposed that all CTLs recognize MHC antigens in association with a modifier X, including allospecific CTLs. The use of liposomes to study virus-specific CTLs suggests that viral and MHC antigens, if not physically interacting, must be closely associated to trigger CTLs. These liposomes were between 0.03 and 0.1 μm in diameter and still were only able to trigger virus-specific CTLs when both the viral and MHC antigens were in the same lipid bilayer. The use of liposomes has pointed out that HLA-DR antigens can be highly immunogenic for CTLs. HLA-A/B antigens may be the dominant immunogen, however, by isolating the HLA-DR antigens from these Class I antigens, one could more clearly assess their immunogenicity. Liposomes have also come up with insights concerning the helper T cell pathway that regulates the CTL response. By employing well-defined in vitro model systems, monoclonal antibodies, protein chemistry, and molecular biology, it is hopeful to gain a better understanding of the CTL response.