Murine cytotoxic T-cell response to alphavirus is associated mainly withH- 2D ( k ).

A secondary in vitro response to alphaviruses Bebaru, Sindbis, and Semliki Forest is described. Optimum response appears at day 5-6 of culture. The cells responsible for lytic activity are nonadherent, Φ-positive, Ig(-), and mainly Ly-2.1 positive. Out of five haplotypes tested (H- 2 ( d ),H- 2 ( b ),H- 2 ( s ),H- 2 ( q ), andH- 2 ( k )) onlyH- 2 ( k ) was a responder. Genetic mapping of the response located it solely in theD region of theH- 2 complex. The other four haplotypes responded with a high antiself activity after a second stimulation with viruses. This antiself response also maps in theD region of theH- 2 complex. No complementation was observed in F(1) hybrids between responder and nonresponder strains.