Genetic control of cell-mediated lympholysis in mouse.

H-2 congenic mouse strains were tested in vitro to investigate the genetic control of cell-mediated lympholysis (CML). Combinations were selected such that differences in various segments of H-2 could be examined for their ability to stimulate production of effector cells and to serve as targets for lysis. Particular emphasis was directed towards understanding the roles of LD and SD. SD-region differences are important in the sensitization of effector cells and they also function as strong targets for lysis, or as markers for the CML targets. LD differences are also important for sensitization of cytotoxic effector cells, but they serve only as very weak targets for lysis. Collaboration occurs between LD and SD in generation of CML. The nature of this interaction can be of two types: together LD and SD can produce CML which neither difference alone can stimulate; LD can enhance a CML response stimulated by SD-region differences alone.