Idiotype-specific helper cells (BH) express immunoglobulin markers and employ T cell function-associated molecules.

An Lyt-1+ population, distinct from T cell subsets, that helps expression of B cell responses to the 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl (NP) hapten was characterized. This lymphoid population, called BH, is present in the spleens of normal and athymic mice and preferentially helps the expression of plaque-forming B cells that carry NPb idiotypic determinants. To define the mechanism by which this cell population functions, the roles of T and B lymphocyte function associated antigens were studied. The data indicate that BH cells express immunoglobulin receptor components, i.e., IgM, IgD heavy chain, and lambda light chain immunoglobulin markers as well as the J11d marker associated with immature B cells. BH cells may also express determinants identical to or cross-reactive with the T cell-associated antigens L3T4a, L3T4b, and LFA-1 as defined by treatment with monoclonal antibodies specific for these antigens. In addition, L3T4a- and LFA-1- but not Lyt-1-like antigens appear to be functionally involved in BH-dependent helper activity, since augmentation of NPb idiotypic PFC responses was blocked with anti-L3T4a or anti-LFA-1 monoclonal antibodies. Further analysis of BH-containing populations indicates that T cells are probably not involved in BH cell function and therefore are not responsible for the presence of Lyt-1, L3T4a, or L3T4b determinants in this T-independent system. The relationship of this helper cell subset to conventional T and B cell populations is discussed.