Characterization of the HLA-A2.2 subtype: T cell evidence for further heterogeneity

Rapid HLA class I DNA typing using microtiter plate-reverse hybridization assay (MRHA) by simple thermoregulation: high-resolution subtyping of the HLA-A2 and -B40 antigen groups

We have established a precise, rapid, simple and economical subtyping method for alleles encoding the HLA-A2 and -B40 antigens using microtiter plate-reverse hybridization assay (MRHA), which is based on the general principle of HLA oligotyping by reverse dot blot hybridization. Amino-modified sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes were immobilized covalently onto a carboxylate-modified microtiter plate. In order to perform high-resolution subtyping of the HLA-A2 and -B40 antigen groups, the alpha1 and alpha2 domain regions were amplified using a pair of group-specific primers composed of an unlabeled sense primer and a biotinylated antisense primer. PCR-amplified products were hybridized with SSO probes in hybridization buffer containing formamide for 1 hour at 37 degrees C. After washing with 2 X SSC at room temperature, the bound PCR products were detected by alkaline phosphatase-conjugated streptavidine followed by color development. All of 8 HLA-B40 suballeles, all of 2 HLA-B47 suballeles (B40 group-specific primers used in this study allowed also B47 amplification) and 17 out of 21 HLA-A2 suballeles were discriminated. The remaining four HLA-A2 suballeles were determined by analysis after exon 4 amplification. HLA-DNA typing by this method was easily and exactly performed regardless of sample number. The greatest advantages of this technique are strong positive signals obtained, reproducibility and the ease of thermoregulation for hybridization and washing as compared to previously reported microtiter plate hybridization methods.

Complete HLA-A DNA typing using the PCR-RFLP method combined with allele group- and sequence-specific amplification

We have established a practical method of complete high-resolution typing for all HLA-A alleles using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) technique combined with allele group- and sequence-specific amplification. The second and third exons of the HLA-A gene, in which most allelic variations are observed, were separately amplified by PCRs with 3 and 4 group-specific primer pairs, respectively. Each PCR-amplified product was digested by allele-specific restriction endonucleases and then subjected to electrophoresis on a 10% polyacrylamide gel. In this way, 62 out of 79 HLA-A alleles could be discriminated by the RFLP patterns derived from the genetic polymorphism in the exon 2 and 3 domains. The remaining 17 alleles could be defined unequivocally by either PCR-RFLP analysis after exon 4 amplification or PCR analysis with sequence-specific primers (SSP). By this method, complete HELA-A genotyping for all homozygous and heterozygous combinations can be accomplished, establishing technically simple, economical and practical routine typing of the HLA-A gene, especially for small samples.

Definition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 and gp41 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes and their restricting major histocompatibility complex class I alleles in simian-human immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus monkeys

With the development of chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-infected macaques as a model for assessing novel human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env)-based vaccine strategies for preventing HIV-1 infection in man, it will be important to determine HIV-1 Env-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in vaccinated and virus-infected monkeys. To facilitate performing such CTL studies, we have defined two HIV-1 Env CTL epitopes in SHIV-infected rhesus monkeys and characterized the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I alleles that bind these Env peptide fragments and present them to CTL. A 9-amino-acid (aa) fragment of HIV-1 gp4l (p6B, aa 553 to 561) is presented to CD8+ CTLs of SHIV-infected animals by the rhesus monkey HLA-B homolog molecule Mamu-B*12. An 8-aa HIV-1 gpl.20 peptide (p9CD, aa 117 to 124) represents a CTL epitope in rhesus monkeys restricted by the HLA-A homolog MHC allele Mamu-A*08. This gp120 CTL epitope is fully conserved in all simian immunodeficiency virus, HIV-1, and HIV-2 isolates that have been sequenced to date and exhibits functional cross-reactivity. Screening of 14 unselected rhesus monkeys for expression of the two novel MHC class I alleles revealed the presence of each of the alleles in more than 40% of the animals. The characterization of the two HIV-1 Env CTL epitopes and their restricting MHC class I alleles will provide a basis for studying vaccine- and virus-elicited cytotoxic effector cell responses in rhesus monkeys.

HLA-A2 subtypes are functionally distinct in peptide binding and presentation

Nearly half of HLA-A2-positive individuals in African populations have a subtype of HLA-A2 other than the A*0201 allele. We have isolated the common African HLA-A2 subtype genes from Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell lines and have established stable class I reduced transfectants expressing these alleles. We have studied the peptide binding and presentation properties of A*0201, A*0202, A*0205, A*0214, and A*6901 by a combination of approaches: assaying direct binding of labeled synthetic peptides, studying the ability of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes to recognize peptide-pulsed cells, and sequencing peptide pools and individual ligands eluted from cells. We find that A*0201-restricted peptides can also bind to A*0202 but do not bind strongly to the other alleles in this study. We show that some cytotoxic T lymphocytes can recognize all subtypes capable of binding an antigenic peptide, whereas others are subtype specific. Sequencing of eluted peptides reveals that A*0202 has a similar peptide motif to A*0201, but that A*0205, A*0214, and A*6901 have different motifs. These data strongly support a model in which residue 9 (Phe or Tyr) of the A2/A68/A69 molecules is a critical factor in determining the specificity of the B pocket of the major histocompatibility complex and the position 2 anchor residue of associated peptides. We conclude that a single-amino acid difference in the major histocompatibility complex can be sufficient to cause a dramatic change in the nature of bound peptides, implying that individuals with closely related HLA subtypes may present very different repertoires of antigenic peptides to T cells in an immune response. It is likely to be a general phenomenon that very similar class I subtypes will behave as functionally distinct HLA allotypes.

Genetic polymorphism within HLA-A*02: significant allelic variation revealed in different populations

HLA-A2 is present at high frequency in most populations, as identified by serological and biochemical means. The value of these methods is limited by their failure to discriminate between the products of the 14 known allelic HLA-A*02 variants. The great majority of genetic polymorphism which defines the allelic variants is found in exons 2 and 3 of the A*02 genes. These exons encode the alpha-1 and alpha-2 domains of the HLA Class I molecules, and variation within the genes may influence the peptide binding specificity of the gene products of each allele. Failure to accurately assign the allelic types has implications in transplantation, in interpretation of cellular assays and in the understanding of HLA disease associations. We have developed a method for determining the 14 known alleles of HLA-A*02 by use of ARMS-PCR to determine the degree of variation of HLA-A*02 alleles in 3 different population groups. Considerable variation was found in the relative frequencies of particular A*02 alleles between Caucasian, oriental and black individuals. Our results indicate the importance of ethnic origin in terms of the expected HLA-A*02 allelic profile, and emphasize the functional significance of allele specific subtyping of HLA-A*02.

DNA typing for HLA class I alleles: I. Subsets of HLA-A2 and of -A28

A group of HLA-A locus alleles known to be comprised of approximately 14 closely related variants are collectively called HLA-A2 and -A28. Variations among these alleles are given by differences in only a few codons, and in the case of A*6901, elements of A*6801 (exons 1 and 2) and of A*0201 are combined. The purpose of these experiments was to determine the possibility of designing oligonucleotide probes to identify and develop a typing method for all or most of the A2 and A28 variants. Because the regions of interest are also shared by alleles of other groups, allele-specific or group-specific primers were needed to amplify only the alleles under study. HLA-A2-specific amplification of exon 2 and selective amplification of portions of exon 3 of the A2-A28 group were accomplished with sequence-specific primers and after appropriate adjustments of the PCR conditions. Hybridization patterns using products of four PCR reactions with our set of probes distinguished 11 alleles. Two other alleles might be recognized with the reagents used, but were not found in the panels in this study. A*0201 and A*0209, which are different in exon 4, were not resolved because exon 4 was not tested. A new variant of Aw68, defined by a hybridization pattern obtained with our probes, was different from A*6801 only in that it was negative with probe A6. It was called A*68.3. Population studies were performed in North American whites, blacks, and Indians and in a sample of subjects from North China. HLA-A*0201 was the most frequent allele. A*0202 was found only in blacks, and A*0203 and A*0207 were found only in Chinese. Among the A28-positive subjects, Caucasoids were predominantly A*6801 or A*68.3; A*6802 was the most frequent subtype in American blacks; among American Indians the predominant type was A*68.3. The two A28-positive Chinese subjects studied had A*6901. The results obtained demonstrate that DNA typing is an efficient method for determining these alleles. The methodology should be applicable to other class I groups and should be useful for more extensive population studies, for matching for bone marrow transplantation, and for investigation of certain diseases associated with HLA class I alleles.

Expression and function of HLA-A2.1 in transgenic mice

We have derived a number of transgenic mouse lines which express the human major histocompatibility complex class I gene HLA-A2.1. Two lines carry the complete human HLA-A2.1, the others bear a recombinant gene in which the HLA-A2.1 coding regions are fused to the H-2Kb promoter. Analysis of transgenic spleen cells by immunofluorescence demonstrates that these mouse cells express HLA-A2.1 on their surface in association with mouse beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m), confirming that HLA-A2 does not require human beta 2m to be expressed at the cell surface. The cells contain more HLA mRNA than endogenous H-2 class I mRNA. There is also a large pool of non-beta 2m-associated HLA heavy chain inside the cell. In contrast the amount of HLA:beta 2m complex is low. Thus, in transgenic mice HLA-A2 seems to compete poorly with H-2 heavy chains for mouse beta 2m. The HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice do not produce influenza-virus-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTL) restricted to the HLA transgene, at least in sufficient numbers to be measured in a direct bulk CTL assay. The dominance of H-2-restricted clones may be the result of quantitative rather than qualitative factors. However, HLA-A2.1 transgenic spleen cells are effective in stimulating an allogeneic CTL response in normal mice. This response is not H-2 restricted. Cold target inhibition studies show that there are at least two populations of CTL, one of which is specific for HLA-A2.1 on mouse cells. This result suggests that at least some allo-CTL are directed against major histocompatibility complex plus "self-peptide".

HLA-B27 and HLA-A2 subtypes: structure, evolution and function

Beyond the resolution of tissue typing serology, HLA class I antigens display a certain level of structural microheterogeneity, that allows their subdivision into subtypes. The structure of these subtypes shows that multiple mechanisms operate in the generation of HLA polymorphism and suggests possible evolutionary pathways for subtype diversification. In addition, subtype polymorphism critically affects cellular allorecognition and antigen presentation to self-restricted T cells. These properties are used to define the structure and diversity of T-cell epitopes. In this review, José López de Castro discusses the nature and evolution of this polymorphism and its modulation of antigen recognition by cytolytic T lymphocytes.

Isoelectric focusing of bovine major histocompatibility complex class I molecules

The products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci regulate an individual's immune response to pathogens. Cattle provide an important model to study the relationship between disease susceptibility and MHC haplotype since large half-sibling families are common. The definitive demonstration, however, of a firm relationship between MHC phenotype and disease susceptibility in cattle will require a precise definition of the bovine MHC allelic products. Available reagents for serological characterization of the bovine MHC gene products have not been adequate for these purposes. We have shown that existing mouse monoclonal antibodies and rabbit anti-human antisera precipitate bovine class I molecules, that these structures separate well by one-dimensional isoelectric focusing (1-D IEF), and that immunoprecipitation followed by 1-D IEF allows the detection of bovine class I MHC allelic products. Through this technique, we have identified previously undetected class I products. This approach will facilitate a detailed characterization of the bovine MHC class I gene products.

Recognition of influenza A matrix protein by HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Use of analogues to orientate the matrix peptide in the HLA-A2 binding site

CTL specific for the influenza A virus matrix peptide 57-68 and restricted by HLA-A2 were studied. Their ability to recognize a set of analogue peptides, each of which differed from the natural peptide by a single amino acid, was analyzed. This revealed a core of five amino acids, 61-65, where one or more changes completely abrogated recognition. The glycine at position 61 was the only residue where no substitution was tolerated. Analogue peptides that did not induce CTL-mediated lysis were tested as competitors with the natural peptide; those with substitutions at positions 60, 64, and 65 inhibited, identifying residues that interact with the TCR. Another approach was to test a set of four CTL clones on all of the analogues. Marked differences in recognition by individual CTL clones were observed for several substituted peptides. The data indicate that most of the analogues bind to HLA-A2 with possible differences in fine positioning of the peptide. An alpha helical orientation for the peptide is discussed.

Effect of mutations and variations of HLA-A2 on recognition of a virus peptide epitope by cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) specific for influenza A virus were prepared from 15 donors. Those with HLA-A2 recognized autologous or HLA-A2-matched B-lymphoblastoid cells in the presence of synthetic peptide representing residues 55-73 or 56-68 of the virus matrix protein sequence. Influenza A virus-specific CTL from donors without HLA-A2 or with an HLA-A2 variant type failed to respond to this peptide. CTL lines specific for HLA-A2 plus peptide did not lyse peptide-treated target cells from HLA-A2 variant donors. They also failed to lyse peptide-treated cells with point mutations that had been inserted into HLA-A2 at positions 62-63, 66, 152, and 156 and, in some instances, mutations at positions 9 and 70. CTL lysed peptide-treated target cells with mutations in HLA-A2 at positions 43, 74, and 107. The results imply that this defined peptide epitope therefore interacts with HLA-A2 in the binding groove so that the long alpha-helices of HLA-A2 make important contact with the peptide at positions 66, 152, and 156. Different amino acids at position 9, which is in the floor of the peptide binding groove of HLA-A2 and the closely related position 70, modulate the peptide interaction so that some T-cell clones react and some do not.

Major histocompatibility complex class I molecules of nonhuman primates

The usefulness of nonhuman primates in immunologically relevant research has until now been limited by difficulties in characterizing the major histocompatibility (MHC) gene products of these species. We have now biochemically characterized the MHC-encoded class I molecules from four different species of nonhuman primates using antibodies directed against human MHC class I structures and one-dimensional isoelectric focusing (1-D IEF). We demonstrated the functional relevancy of this technique of MHC typing by generating virus-specific cytotoxic T cells and assaying their cytotoxic activity against a panel of virus-transformed cells that expressed the same or differing class I structures. Only virus-infected cell lines expressing MHC class I antigens identical to those of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte population were lysed. This simple method of MHC class I typing using 1-D IEF will be useful in immunological research involving nonhuman primates and in nonhuman primate colony management.

Molecular analysis of HLA-A2.4 functional variant KLO: close structural and evolutionary relatedness to the HLA-A2.2 subtype

The structure of an HLA-A2.4 functional variant (A2.4c) expressed on donor KLO has been examined by comparative peptide mapping with other HLA-A2 antigens of known structure and radiochemical sequencing. All the peptide differences between A2.4c and A2.1 could be accounted for by five amino acid changes at positions 9, 43, 66, 95, and 156. The nature of residues 9, 43, and 95 in A2.4c was determined by sequencing to be identical to those in A2.2Y. The nature of residue 156 in A2.4c was also assigned as identical to that in A2.2Y on the basis of the identity of the corresponding peptide in its chromatographic comparison with A2.2Y. Position 66 was unique to A2.4c. It was determined to be an Asn residue instead of the Lys present in all other HLA-A2 antigens of known structure. This was the only detected amino acid difference between A2.4c and A2.2Y. The results indicate that, from a structural point of view, A2.4c is most closely related to the A2.2 subtype antigens and not to other A2.4 antigens. The data are compatible with the assumption that A2.4c was derived from A2.2Y by a single point mutation event.

An HLA-A2 population variant with structural polymorphism in the alpha 3 region

The HLA-A2 antigen expressed by donor OZB can be distinguished from the main HLA-A2.1 subtype by isoelectric focusing - it is one charge unit more acidic - and by some alloreactive T-cell clones but not by cytolytic T lymphocyte lines. The structure of variant OZB has been examined by comparative peptide mapping with A2.1 and radiochemical sequence analysis. The two molecules were found to differ in a single tryptic peptide from the alpha 3 region, spanning residues 220-243. The amino acid sequence of this peptide from variant OZB revealed that there was only one amino acid change of Glu instead of Ala at position 236, a hitherto invariant residue in class I HLA antigens. All previously characterized HLA or H-2 natural variants have structural changes restricted to the alpha 1 and/or alpha 2 domains. Thus, variant OZB is unique in that (1) it has one amino acid change in alpha 3 and (2) it has no changes in alpha 1 and alpha 2. The only detected substitution of this variant may be accounted for by a single base change at the DNA level, suggesting that it might have resulted from a point mutation in the A2.1 gene. The structural features of variant OZB open a novel way to examine the influence of polymorphism in alpha 3 on cytolytic T-cell recognition of naturally occurring class I antigens.

Structural analysis of HLA-A2.4 functional variant KNE. Implications for the mapping of HLA-A2-specific T-cell epitopes

HLA-A2 antigens are divided into four subtypes, designated A2.1 to A2.4, by the use of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). The A2.4 subtype consists of a functionally heterogeneous group of variants that are not recognized by A2.1-, A2.2-, or A2.3-specific CTL lines while it is indistinguishable from A2.1 by isoelectric focusing. The structure of an A2.4 variant expressed on donor KNE has been established by comparative peptide mapping with A2.1 and radiochemical sequencing. It was found to differ from A2.1 by a single amino acid change of Cys to Tyr at position 99. This position is only moderately polymorphic and has not previously been found to vary in any other HLA or H-2 variants. The nature of the change is compatible with its generation by one-point mutation from A2.1. The only other previously characterized A2.4 variant, CLA, differs from A2.1 by a single amino acid replacement at position 9. Both residues 9 and 99 are located in homologous positions within the alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains, respectively. The results shown contribute to the molecular interpretation of the heterogeneity of CTL recognition within the HLA-A2.4 group of antigens.

New HLA-A2 variants defined by monoclonal antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Three HLA-A2 variants, A2-DW, A2-KC, and A2-Lee, were identified in three Chinese donors using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. A2-DW was negative with two of the ten HLA-A2 monoclonal antibodies tested, whereas A2-KC was negative with five of the ten and A-2 Lee was negative with one. Epstein-Barr virus-specific cytotoxic T cells generated from the A2-DW donor recognized and killed target cells prepared from the A2-KC donor, but did not recognize target cells from HLA-A2.1, -A2.2, or -A2.4 donors. In isoelectric focusing studies, A2-DW and A2-KC focus in identical positions more acidic than the other HLA-A2 antigens tested.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognize a fragment of influenza virus matrix protein in association with HLA-A2

Both human and murine cytotoxic T cells (CTL) elicited in response to infection with influenza A viruses have been shown to be specific for internal viral proteins, such as the matrix and nucleoprotein. Individual CTL epitopes have been identified in the nucleoprotein by successfully substituting short synthetic peptides for the intact virus in the preparation of target cells in cytotoxicity assays. The defined peptide epitopes have each been recognized by CTL in association with individual class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins, H-2Db, H-2Kk, H-2Kd (Taylor, P. et al., unpublished data) and HLA-B37. A logical strategy to investigate the molecular details of the interaction between antigen and MHC class I proteins would be to define an epitope recognized by the MHC class I molecule HLA-A2. This is because the amino-acid sequence is known, several variants of A2 have been characterized and the protein has been purified and crystallized. Here we describe a peptide derived from the influenza matrix protein that is recognized by human CTL in association with the HLA-A2 molecule.

Identification of viral molecules recognized by influenza-specific human cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Human cytotoxic T cells specific for influenza A virus were tested for recognition of each of the ten influenza A virus proteins expressed in target cells using recombinant vaccinia viruses. They recognized the matrix M1, polymerase PB2, and nucleoproteins of influenza virus in association with MHC class I antigens. These internal viral proteins were seen by CTL in conjunction with one or more of the available dependent HLA gene products. There was no detectable recognition of influenza virus surface glycoproteins in target cells.

Identification of HLA-B44 subtypes associated with extended MHC haplotypes

The HLA class I antigen B44 is found in each of two different extended major histocompatibility haplotypes (allele combinations of HLA-B, HLA-DR, and complement genes BF, C2, C4A, and C4B in linkage disequilibrium). Using isoelectric focusing, two variants of HLA-B44 were identified. The basic variant was found in all cell lines with the extended haplotype HLA-B44, DR7, FC31, and the acidic variant in all cell lines with the extended haplotype HLA-B44, DR4, SC30. The occurrence of each antigen variant with a unique extended haplotype explains previous observations concerning the nonrandom association of B44 variants with DR antigens.

Recognition of distinct epitopes on the HLA-A2 antigen by cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Alloimmune CTLs specifically recognizing the HLA-A2.3 subtype could be made besides the previously described HLA-A2.1 and A2.2 subtype-specific CTLs. Examination of the fine specificity of 15 different CTLs directed against distinct HLA-A2 subtypes demonstrated further complexity of antigenic epitopes present on the A2 molecule. First, epitopes could be defined which are unique for the HLA-A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, and A2.4 subtypes. Second, epitopes could be defined which are shared between the HLA-A2.1, A2.2 and A2.4 subtypes, but which are not shared by the A2.3 subtype. Analysis of the reactivity patterns of CTLs directed against the HLA-A2.2 and A2.4 subtypes indicated that the observed cytotoxic response was dependent on the HLA type of the responder cell. Biochemical analysis demonstrated the existence of isoelectric point variation in A2 heavy chains which deviated from the expected pIs for the A2 subtypes as described previously. Individuals were identified who possessed A2 heavy chains typical for the A2.3 subtype antigen although the CTL analysis demonstrated the presence of an A2.1 subtype antigen.

Genetic susceptibility to early onset pauciarticular juvenile chronic arthritis: a study of HLA and complement markers in 158 British patients

To investigate the genetics of susceptibility to early onset pauciarticular juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), 158 unrelated ethnic British patients with a mean disease onset of 3.2 years, together with controls, were tested for HLA-A, B, C, and DR antigens. Additionally, 117 patients were also investigated for complement Bf and C4 markers. New observations included an increased frequency of the C4B 2 allotype (p corrected (pc) less than 0.02) and C4A 4,B 2 phenotype (p less than 0.0005). Findings suggested a unique increase of the haplotype HLA-DRw8, Bf*S, C4A*4, C4B*2, HLA-B39, possibly predisposing to more severe disease. Strong positive associations were confirmed with HLA antigens A2 (pc = 2.5 X 10(-8)), DRw8 (pc = 3.5 X 10(-14)), DR5 (pc less than 0.02), DRw52 (pc = 2.8 X 10(-6)) and DR5, w8 phenotype (pc = 3.9 X 10(-6)), and negative associations with DR7 (pc = 5.8 X 10(-7)), DR4 (pc less than 0.002), and DRw53 (pc = 0.004). Antinuclear antibody (ANA) seropositivity correlated with DR5 (p less than 0.02), and in children with chronic iridocyclitis (CIR) Bw62 incidence was raised (p less than 0.03) and B44 reduced (p less than 0.03). HLA-A2 was found in 88% of ANA+, CIR+ patients (p less than 0.01). A significant excess of DR5, w8 heterozygotes was present (relative risk = 41.1) and a lack of corresponding homozygotes. Results are inconsistent with a recessive, dominant, or intermediate mode of inheritance of susceptibility, and favour the existence of at least two DR linked 'disease' genes. Moreover, there may be an interaction in heterozygotes of combinatorial factors associated with DR5 and DRw8 in enhancing susceptibility. Possible immunogenetic mechanisms underlying the observed associations with three antigen classes are discussed. Evidence here suggests a role for the HLA-DQ locus in determining susceptibility to this disease.

Functional analysis of the HLA-A2/Aw68 recombinant molecule HLA-Aw69: Epstein-Barr virus specific cytotoxic T cells restricted through Aw69 can utilise restricting determinants on Aw68 but not on A2

Epstein-Barr virus-specific cytotoxic T cell lines, expanded in interleukin 2-conditioned medium, have been generated in vitro from virus-immune individuals bearing either the common HLA-A2 antigen (A2.1), a variant A2 antigen (A2.2) or a novel antigen Aw69 which is a recombinant molecule having identity with HLA-Aw68 in the alpha 1 domain and with HLA-A2 in the alpha 2 and alpha 3 domains. Virus-specific cytotoxic T cells restricted through A2.1 or A2.2 only recognised targets bearing the identical sub-type of A2 molecules and showed no cross-recognition of other A2 sub-types, of Aw68 or of Aw69. In contrast, virus-specific cytotoxic T cells restricted through the Aw69 antigen showed a significant cross-recognition of restricting determinants on Aw68 but not on A2 molecules. The results suggest that the alpha 1 extracellular domain of the HLA-Aw69 molecule plays a predominant role in the formation of T cell restricting determinants.