A monoclonal antibody that blocks class II histocompatibility-related immune interactions.

Previous studies using conventional hetero- or isoantisera have indicated the involvement of class II (Ia) molecules in presentation of soluble antigen by monocytes to inducer T lymphocytes, stimulation of inducer T cells in MLR, and recognition of Ia-bearing target cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The experience in using monoclonal anti-Ia reagents capable of blocking these phenomena in the human system is limited. Recently, however, we have characterized a lytic IgG2a monoclonal antibody, 9-49, that binds to functionally significant class II molecules. This antibody blocks (in the absence of complement): (1) specific binding of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to antigen-pulsed monocyte monolayers, (2) proliferation of PBL in response to soluble antigen (tetanus toxoid or mumps) or cell surface class II antigen stimulation in allogeneic or autologous MLR, (3) proliferation of cloned T4+ (inducer) lymphocyte cell lines to class II antigens, (4) generation of cytotoxic lymphocytes during allogeneic MLR, and (5) recognition (and killing) of class II-bearing target cells by T4+ CTL clones. Proliferation and CTL activity of a T8+ clone is unaffected by the 9-49 antibody. These results indicate the usefulness of this monoclonal reagent in studies evaluating the functional role of Ia molecules in immune recognition phenomena.