HLA-restricted responses to M and N determinants in the primed lymphocyte test.

We have studied the role of MNSs determinants in the primed lymphocyte test (PLT). The data demonstrate that incompatibility associated with the M or N antigens causes HLA-restricted proliferative responses in PLT. Responses to the M or N determinants required the presence of the same HLA-A antigen(s) on both the stimulator and the responder cells. No effects of S or s incompatibility were observed in this test. This is the first report of lymphocyte proliferative responses to "minor" alloantigens that require corecognition of the MHC determinants. These observations suggest possible new biological functions of these blood group antigens.