Activation of human T lymphocyte subsets: helper and suppressor/cytotoxic T cells recognize and respond to distinct histocompatibility antigens.

This study was directed at determining the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens recognized by helper (Leu-3) and suppressor-cytotoxic (Leu-2) T lymphocyte subsets in man. These 2 subsets were isolated from peripheral blood with monoclonal antibodies and challenged in vitro with various stimuli. Only Leu-3 cells proliferated in response to autologous nonrosetting cells and soluble antigens, suggesting that helper but not suppressor-cytotoxic T cells recognize autologous HLA-DR antigen. Furthermore, only Leu-3 T cells responded to allogeneic DR antigen; this was shown in reactions between 2 siblings who were HLA-identical except for a single disparity at HLA-DR caused by a crossover event. Leu-3 cells activated in primary allogeneic mixed leukocyte reactions (MLR) responded equally in secondary allogeneic MLR to the priming cells and to cells that were identical at HLA-DR but discordant at HLA-A, B, and C to the priming cell. The antigens responsible for stimulating Leu-2 cells in allogeneic MLR were not identified, although the results are compatible with a role for HLA-A and B antigens and exclude a dominant role for HLA-DR. These data indicate that the helper and suppressor-cytotoxic T cell subsets in man respond differentially to MHC antigens in a manner analogous to the murine Lyt-2- 3- and Lyt-2+ 3+ populations.