The Journal of Immunology, Vol 128, Issue 6 2533-2538, Copyright © 1982 by American Association of Immunologists

ARTICLES

Antigen receptors on murine T lymphocytes in contact sensitivity. II. Presentation and characterization of syngeneic anti-idiotype serum against DNFB-sensitized T cells

JW Moorhead and MS Sy

This manuscript describes the preparation and characterization of a syngeneic antiserum raised in BALB/c mice against nylon wool-purified lymph node (LN) T cells from 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene- (DNFB) sensitized BALB/c mice. This antiserum (anti-T DH-DNP) plus complement blocks the ability of LN or purified T cells from DNFB-sensitized donors to transfer immunity to naive recipients. The inhibitory activity of the serum is due to antibodies; these antibodies have specificity for idiotype (Id) determinants as shown by their ability to bind to purified mouse anti-DNP antibodies but not to rabbit anti-DNP or normal mouse Ig. Inhibition of transfer of immunity by the anti-Id serum is not restricted by either H-2 gene products or Igh-1 allotypes. The antiserum is antigen specific when tested on LN cells from oxazolone-sensitized mice, but has a low level of cross-reactivity against T cells from 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene- (TNCB) sensitized mice. In addition, it was shown that naturally occurring anti-Id antibodies, epsilon-DNP-L-lysine, or DNP-protein (but not NIP-protein) and the anti-Id in syngeneic anti-T DH-DNP serum compete for similar binding sites on DNFB-immune T cells. We interpret these findings to indicate that immunization of mice with T cells from DNFB-sensitized syngeneic mice induces the production of anti-Id antibodies. These anti- Id antibodies are specific for determinants expressed on the T cell receptor or receptor subsite that is specific for the hapten DNP.