The immune response to (T,G)-A-L and GAT in man: an association of nonresponsiveness to (T,G)-A-L with HLA-DRw8.

The response of human lymphocytes to synthetic polypeptides has been measured by sensitizing cells in vitro followed by restimulation with the sensitizing antigen or with cross-reacting antigens. It was found that there was considerable individual heterogeneity in the specific response and the cross-reaction obtained with the antigens (T,G)-A-L, GAT, GT, and GA. In spite of this heterogeneity, it is possible to define three different response patterns using nonresponsiveness to (T,G)-A-L and the failure of (T,G)-A-L to cross-restimulate GAT sensitized cells as discriminating criteria. The nonresponders to (T,G)-A-L show a significant association with HLA-DRw8 and it is suggested that this might represent a dominant HLA associated immune response gene involved in the regulation of the response to (T,G)-A-L. We further show that the individuals whose cells respond to (T,G)-A-L form a heterogeneous group which may explain the conflicting results previously published on the genetic control of the immune response to (T,G)-A-L in man.