Cytotoxic T lymphocyte recognition of class I H-2 antigens after DNA-mediated gene transfer

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) recognition sites on class I major histocompatibility complex molecules have been investigated by several laboratories by using cloned genes expressed on mouse L cells by DNA-mediated gene transfer. Recombinant genes, constructed by restriction endonuclease treatment of cloned H-2D(d) and L(d) genes and exchange of the N and Cl exons (exon shuffling) have provided an additional tool. These hybrid H-2 molecules expressed on L cells have been used as targets to achieve more precise localization of site(s) recognized by allospecific and virus-specific CTLs. CTL systems were chosen that limit recognition to either the D(d) or L(d) alloantigen or to virus and D(d) or L(d) complexes. Using this approach, we were able to map essential restricting site(s) to the N and/or Cl domains. Additional evidence is presented that the cytoplasmic tail of H-2 may be involved in interactions with some viral antigens and effect the formation of an immunogenic complex.