Genetic control of the cytolytic T lymphocyte response to influenza viruses: H-2 genes influence the response to H-2Kb plus virus.

Genetic control of the cytolytic T lymphocyte responses to influenza virus was examined. Mice bearing the H-2b haplotype and F1 hybrid mice derived from C57BL/6 parents failed to recognize H-2Kb plus type A or type B influenza viruses. Congenic mice that shared H-2Kb but had either H-2Dd of H-2Dq genotypes responded in in vitro secondary cultures to H-2Kb plus virus. Mapping studies suggest the gene(s) controlling the ability to respond to H-2Kb plus virus can be localized in or near the H-2D region. Several interpretations of these observations are discussed.