Abstract
CD4+ T cells from the LEW (RT11) rat strain are able to recognize a 24-amino acid peptide from the α-helical region of the α1-domain of the DA (RT1avl) RT1.A class I MHC molecule. This response is known to play a role in the effector mechanisms of rejection of DA grafts by LEW recipients. In this study, we demonstrate that the WAG (RT1u) strain is also able to respond to this peptide, but that the PVG (RT1c) strain does not respond. Fine specificity studies using a nested set of 15 mers derived from the 24 mer indicate that the LEW strain recognizes multiple T cell epitopes spanning the length of the peptide, while the WAG strain response is limited to the N-terminal region. With regard to B cell immunity, both the LEW and WAG strains give strong antibody responses when immunized with the free peptide, while the antibody response in the PVG strain is weak. Interestingly, in all 3 strains, the antibodies appear to be directed at the N- and C-terminal regions of the peptide, and to be almost entirely dependent upon the presence of the N- and C-terminal amino acids. These studies are potentially important when considering the specificity of rejection responses, and most particularly when considering the specific suppression of rejection mediated by indirect T cell allorecognition.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.