Incorporation of murine MHC antigens into liposomes and their effect in the secondary mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Abstract

THE major histocompatibility complex (MHC) controls the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) by a dual mechanism involving both the I-region and the K/D-loci products (for a review, see ref. 1). Most information about the MLR has so far been obtained by genetic studies using congenic resistant mouse strains that differ only at defined MHC loci. To dissect the events of the MLR further, it would be advantageous to use purified MHC antigens to gain control not only over the genetical but also the physico-chemical nature of the stimulating antigens. We describe here how in a first attempt to use highly purified MHC antigens as stimulatory agents in the MLR, we have succeeded in anchoring the antigens to liposomes in such a way that they give rise to a good response in the secondary MLR.