International Immunology, Vol 9, 1785-1792, Copyright © 1997 by Oxford University Press
DR Walser-Kuntz, CM Weyand and JJ Goronzy
HLA molecules influence the selection of naive CD4+ T cells as demonstrated
by HLA-DR-dependent differences in BV8-BJ frequencies. The repertoire of
mature peripheral T cells utilized in antigen responses is shaped by
additional factors such as antigens encountered in the environment. To
identify mechanisms underlying the formation of the memory repertoire,
differences in the BV8-BJ repertoire of CD45RO- and CD45RO+ CD4+ T cells
were examined in 21 normal donors. The naive and memory CD4+ compartments
displayed unique BV8-BJ repertoires in all individuals, demonstrating that
the recruitment of CD4+ T cells into the memory population is a non-random
process. The frequencies of selected BV8-BJ combinations were increased
among CD45RO+ T cells. Size fractionation of such expanded BV8-BJ
populations demonstrated that most of them were polyclonal in nature.
Twenty-five percent of the expanded BV-BJ combinations included a dominant
TCR sequence, indicating monoclonal proliferation. Selection of BV8-BJ
combinations for preferential use among memory T cells was HLA dependent.
HLA-DR1/4+ individuals were characterized by an increased usage of
BV8-BJ2S7+ TCR, and decreased usage of BV8-BJ2S1 + and BV8-BJ2S2+ TCR,
whereas HLA- DR3/7+ individuals preferentially recruited BV8-BJ2S5+ T
cells, and disfavored BV8-BJ2S3+ and BV8-BJ2S7+ T cells. HLA-imposed
effects on the naive and memory repertoire were distinct. The BV-BJ
frequencies of CD45RO+ T cells could not be predicted from the pattern of
TCR found in naive CD4+ T cells, suggesting that the HLA-DR polymorphisms
influence thymic selection processes differently than peripheral selection
forces.
ARTICLES
Influence of antigenic experience on BJ gene segment usage in human CD4+ T cells
Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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