The xid gene controls Ia.W39-associated immune response gene function.

Abstract

Immune response (Ir) genes are encoded for by the I region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). A class of serologically defined specificities, Ia antigens, is encoded for by genes within this region. A new Ia specificity, Ia.W39, was recently defined. It is private for I-Ab and its expression is controlled by a gene on the X-chromosome. Using different approaches, the role of Ia.W39 in the immune response of H-2b mice to beef insulin was examined in a macrophage-dependent T cell proliferation assay. Beef insulin-related Ir gene function was associated with the expression of Ia.W39 by antigen-presenting macrophages. This Ir gene function was controlled by an X-linked gene.sbd.the xid gene.