Major Histocompatibility Complex Restriction of T-Lymphocyte Responses to Islet Cell Antigens in IDDM Rats

BBUF rats, derived from BB rats, spontaneously develop a form of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) associated with infiltration of the islets of Langerhans by lymphocytes (insulitis). BBUF rats bear the RT1^U major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotype that we have shown to be necessary for the expression of this form of IDDM. A T-lymphocyte line obtained from the pancreas of a diabetic rat (UPCC.5) and three T-lymphocyte hybridomas derived by fusing T-lymphocytes of BBUF rats (MUS1.2, MUS1.13, and MUP3.21) respond to islet cell antigens in an MHC-restricted way. UPCC.5 responds to a combination of islet cell antigens (ICAg) and antigen-presenting cells by proliferation, whereas the T-hybridoma responses are detected on the basisof IL-2 production in a similar assay. This study reveals that an antiserum against μhaplotype MHC antigens or a monoclonal antibody against the product of the D class II subregion of the rat MHC could inhibit ICAg recognition. A monoclonal antibody against the product of the B class II MHC subregion of the rat was not inhibitory. These results suggest that RT1.D antigens (analogous to human DR and mouse I-E) restrict islet cell recognition in this rat model of spontaneous IDDM.