A new gene encoding the ligand for deletion of T cells bearing Tcrb-V6 and V8.1 (Mtv-50)

The minor lymphocyte-stimulating antigen (Mls), which is defined by the demonstration of a strong primary T-cell proliferative response in a mixed lymphocyte culture between major histocompatibility complex-identical strains, is a representative of self superantigens (Sags) which bind to certain Tcrb-V elements, and delete T cells bearing these elements. Mls-1 antigen encoded by Mtv-7 stimulates T cells bearing Tcrb-V6, V7, V8.1, or V9 in vitro, and delete these T cells in vivo. Recently, Mtv-43, Mtv-44, and exogenous MMTV (SW) have also been found to encode Mls-1-like antigens, which delete Tcrb-V6, V7 (except Mtv-44), V8.1- and/or V9-bearing T cells. In sharp contrast to Mls-1, Mls-1-like antigens encoded by Mtv-43 and MMTV(SW) show only a limited in vitro stimulatory capacity. 9 refs., 1 fig.