title: Use of molecular techniques for analysis of Ia structure-function relationships.
abstract: An overview of a strategy for the molecular analysis of class II major histocompatibility complex (Ia) gene product structure-function relationships is presented, and results obtained to date by using this approach are summarized. The A beta, A alpha, E alpha, and E beta genes have been cloned and sequenced to yield information on gene organization and primary protein sequence. Comparison of sequences from allelic forms of these genes show the NH2-terminal domain to be the locus of most intraspecies polymorphism. Transfection of I-A alpha and A beta genes into B lymphoma cells or L cells has generated cells expressing the transfected gene products on their membrane. Such Ia+ transfectants present antigen to various T cells, which use the expressed I-A as a restriction element. Exon shuffling has shown the beta 1 domain of A beta to play a predominant role in such restricted antigen recognition. Preliminary data refining this analysis to sites within beta 1, as well as data on control of alpha: beta chain association, are reviewed, and future prospects for use of this approach in resolving questions of immunological interest are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D003001:Cloning, Molecular / Q000379:methods*; D005796:Genes; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008954:Models, Biological; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II