title: Modulation of HLA class II antigen expression by transfection of sense and antisense DR alpha cDNA.
abstract: In the human there are three isotypic forms of MHC class II gene products (HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP). The isotype-matched alpha-beta dimers are predominant but isotype-mismatched dimers can also be expressed (DR alpha-DQ beta). Here it is shown that the expression of the DR alpha-DQ beta dimer can be correlated to a high ratio of DR alpha/DR beta mRNA. The DR alpha chain expression was modulated by transfection of a sense and antisense DR alpha cDNA. Overexpression of DR alpha promoted the appearance of the DR alpha-DQ beta dimer. On the other hand, pre-existing DR alpha-DQ beta dimer expression was suppressed after antisense DR alpha cDNA transfection. Therefore, imbalanced expression of the alpha and beta chain from a given isotype could lead to the modification of HLA class II phenotype.
authors: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Lotteau
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Sands
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Teyton
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Turmel
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Charron
authors: J L
authors: JL
authors: Strominger
mesh_terms: D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D012313:RNA; D016372:RNA, Antisense; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D016372:RNA, Antisense; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA