Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II are expressed on most activated human lymphocytes. They direct antigen presentation events in dendritic cells and B cells (collectively called antigen presenting cells), but the role for MHC class II in human T cells is not well understood. To understand the role of surface MHC class II and to identify the molecules involved in signaling, we have defined the early activation sequence in T cells when MHC class II are engaged by a specific antibody. Specifically, we have characterized the involvement of phosphotyrosine kinases, phospholipase C (PLC), and Ca2+ mobilization. With the engagement by either whole anti-class II antibody or its Fab fragments, the enzymatic activity of p56lck and ZAP-70 increased, but there was no increase in p59fyn activity. In addition, the intracellular free Ca2+ increased, which was due to enhanced influx and not to the mobilization of intracytoplasmic Ca2+. These events did not require cross-linking because they were not significantly augmented by the addition of antispecies antibody. The coimmunoprecipitation of tyrosine phosphorylated PLC-gamma1 with surface MHC class II suggested that PLC-gamma1 could be recruited to MHC class II after engagement. These results show the complexities of the early signals transduced by the engagement of surface MHC class II on T cells.