Fine specificities of the murine T cell responses to (Glu Lys Ala) terpolymers.

The T cell proliferative responses to GLA terpolymers among mice of H-2 a, b, d, k, q, r and s haplotypes are heterogeneous. Following immunization with GLA20, GLA40 and GLA60, mouse T cells reacted well with the three terpolymers. The cross-reactions of the above T cells to GLA5 decreased as the alanine content in the terpolymers (immunogens) increased, whereas the trend of the cross-reactions to GA40 did not change. The RIII strain showed no cross-reaction with GLA5. Only mice of H-2 haplotypes q and s failed to show cross-reactions to GA40. Mice of the H-2q haplotype are genetic non-responders to GA40, whereas those of the H-2s haplotype are responders. Immunization of SJL mice with GA40 mixed with GLA40 led to reduction of the specific T cell response to GA40. This reduction of GA40 specific T cell responses in SJL mice by GLA40 occurred during the early stage of the immune response. The kinetic study showed that it was necessary to inject the GLA40 intraperitoneally at least 7 days before GA40 in order for the reduction to take place. The PETLES and lymph node T cells from DBA/1 mice were found to respond to GLA40 differently, and these cells from SJL mice responded differently to GA40.