Abstract
The membrane protein CD4 is commonly found on mature T cells specific for antigen in association with class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC; Ia) proteins. This correlation has led to the suggestion that CD4 binds to a monomorphic region of the Ia molecule on the antigen-presenting cell (APC) and functions either by enhancing interaction between the T cell and the APC, or conversely, by transducing negative signals to the T cell. To address this hypothesis, we have made use of sublines from an unusual T hybrid that is class I MHC restricted but also CD4+. By incorporating purified MHC proteins into a planar membrane system, we show that different Ia molecules can greatly enhance the ability of a CD4+ but not a CD4- variant of this class I-restricted T hybrid to respond to isolated class I molecules. T-cell responses can be strongly augmented by the concurrent expression of CD4 on the T cell and any of four different Ia proteins on planar membranes, thus supporting the idea that CD4 binds to a monomorphic region of the Ia molecule and increases the avidity with which the T cell can interact with its target.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America |
Volume | 85 |
Issue number | 15 |
Pages (from-to) | 5629-33 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISSN | 0027-8424 |
Publication status | Published - 1988 |