Graft-versus-host reaction. Influence of genetic background in donor-recipient pairs incompatible for major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

Abstract

In two H-2b anti-H-2d but not in H-2b anti-H2k donor-recipient combinations, graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) mortality was found to vary as a function of the host's genetic background; the same non-major histocompatibility complex genes and/or antigens which influence GVHR mortality do not influence the intensity of GVHR splenomegaly or the time of skin rejection. In contrast, the severity of GVHR mortality correlates with the intensity of stimulation in mixed lymphocyte culture. The roles of minor histocompatibility (H) antigens and Mls product are discussed.