| Abstrakt: |
The antibody response of rats to the related polypeptide antigens (T,G)-A -L, (H,G)-A -L, and (Phe,G)-A -L is controlled by Ir gene(s) linked to the major histocompatibility genes. When lymph node cells of rats primed with one of these polypeptides were cultured with the homologous antigen, a proliferative secondary response was induced with cells from high, but not from low responder strains. Thus, responsiveness as defined by antibody production is clearly reflected in this cellular in vitro assay. In contrast to the antipolypeptide antibodies which crossreact extensively, no crossreaction could be detected on the cellular level among the three polypeptides except for one combination: (T,G)-A -L-primed cells were strongly cross-stimulated by (Phe,G)-A -L, but the opposite was not true. The two antigens, however, show a distinct response pattern in various rat strains. The unilateral cross-stimulation may be explained by the special chemical relationship of determinants containing tyrosine and phenylalanine residues. It could occur on the level of the T cell receptor or, if distinct from it, on that of the Ir gene product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
Full text from SpringerLink