title: Altered I-J phenotype in E alpha transgenic mice.
abstract: One of the more intriguing puzzles in immunology is the genetic basis for control of murine T-cell I-J determinants. Molecules bearing I-J determinants (I-J molecules) play a role in information trafficking among immunocompetent cells, probably serving as self-recognition molecules that channel regulatory factors to their appropriate target cells. Although it is clear that I-J polymorphism is influenced by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), molecular genetic studies provide evidence that an MHC gene does not encode I-J molecules. A possible explanation for this paradox is that I-J molecules are a set of non-MHC-encoded T cell receptors that are directly or indirectly selected for by self-MHC products. One key to resolving the genetic and molecular basis for control of I-J determinants is the identification of the MHC gene(s) involved. Herein, data are presented which show that E alpha transgenic mice express an altered I-J phenotype, providing clear evidence that I region class II genes influence I-J polymorphism. Although further study is required to resolve how class II genes mediate this effect, this is a major piece to the I-J puzzle.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis*; D006183:H-2 Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000939:Epitopes; D006183:H-2 Antigens; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; C043911:I-J-antigen; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell