Identification of HLA class II-restricted H-Y-specific T-helper epitope evoking CD4+ T-helper cells in H-Y-mismatched transplantation

Background: Stem-cell grafts between HLA-identical siblings are less likely to succeed when there is a sex mismatch. This lack of success can be interpreted as enhanced activity directed against minor histocompatibility antigens encoded by the Y chromosome (H-Y). So far, in man, only cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for several minor histocompatibility antigens have been reported. We aimed to identify and clarify the role of MHC class II-restricted H-Y-specific T-helper cells in these transplant settings. Methods: H-Y-specific MHC class II-restricted CD4+ T cells were isolated from blood of a female patient who rejected an HLA-identical male stem-cell transplant. By molecular cloning of H-Y genes and functional T-helper experiments, we elucidated antigen specificity and the functional properties of these H-Y-specific T-helper cells. Findings: CD4+ T-helper cells recognise the Y gene-encoded peptide VIKVNDTVQI presented by HLA-DRβ3*0301. These T-helper cells mature dendritic cells and enhance expansion of minor histocompatibility antigen-specific MHC class I-restricted CD8+ CTLs. Interpretation: Characterisation of an MHC class II-restricted H-Y epitope that evoked CD4+ T-helper responses adds a novel cellular component to the alloimmune response against Y chromosome-encoded minor histocompatibility antigens. This component completes the H-Y-directed alloimmune response and aids understanding of the poorer outcome of sex-mismatched transplants.