The effect of histocompatibility antigens on lymphocyte migration in the mouse.

Migration patterns of 51Cr-labelled murine lymph node cells were studied in syngeneic, allogeneic, semi-allogeneic and congenic strain combinations. In certain allogeneic and semi-allogeneic combinations with strong H-2 histoincompatibility, reduced migration of a donor population representing recirculating lymphocytes into recipient lymph nodes was observed. This phenomen could be reproduced in congenic strains differing only at the H-2 locus, and was not seen in congenic strains differing at the Ly-A, Ly-B, RZ, M, or θ loci. The kinetics of reduced lymphocyte homing to allogeneic lymph nodes and the role of host and donor recognition were investigated. These studies are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of action, and relevance to factors regulating lymphocyte recirculation.