Differential Tolerance Is Induced in T Cells Recognizing Distinct Epitopes of Myelin Basic Protein

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is induced by T cell–mediated immunity to central nervous system antigens. In H-2 u mice, EAE is mediated primarily by T cells specific for residues 1–11 of myelin basic protein (MBP). We demonstrate that differential tolerance to MBP1-11 versus epitopes in MBP121-150 is induced by expression of endogenous MBP, reflecting extreme differences in stability of peptide/MHC complexes. The diverse MBP121-150–specific TCR repertoire can be divided into three fine specificity groups. Two groups were identified in wild-type mice despite extensive tolerance, but the third group was not detected. Activated MBP121-150–specific T cells induce EAE in wild-type mice. Thus, encephalitogenic T cells that escape tolerance either recognize short-lived peptide/MHC complexes or express TCRs with unique specificities for stable complexes.