Subtypes of HLA-B27 detected by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and their role in self-recognition.

In the present study cytotoxic T lymphocytes were generated in MLC of lymphocytes from two unrelated HLA-A, B, C-identical, B27-positive, but D/DR-different, individuals. These CTL were shown to detect subtypes of HLA-B27. CTL specific for influenza virus lysed infected target cells matched for HLA-B27 only when they shared the same subtype. This indicates that the two subtypes of HLA-B27 detected by CTL function also as distinct elements in a self-restricted CTL response. Both subtypes were found among patients with ankylosing spondylitis.