An analysis of an antigenic system in the mouse (theH-2 system)

Abstract

The H-2 complex of mice plays a major part in transplantation immunity. Genetical studies by Snell and his colleagues have revealed nine different combinations. Serological investigations have demonstrated five basic antigens, C, D, E, F and K. The distribution so far as it is known is given in the table. We postulate two alleles of E, and at least three of D. No allele of K has been definitely established as yet. The extreme polymorphism of the system is largely contributed by D and possibly by K as well. Difficulty in demonstrating allelomorphs may be attributable to the following factors: (1) technical difficulties in the demonstration of some partial antibodies in mice, (2) low concentration of certain antigens on the erythrocytes, (3) the small population so far studied serologically. Mutations have been shown to arise not infrequently in some strains studied in America and involve the simultaneous transformations of three antigens, we have found that two of the antigens known to have been involved are separable by crossing-over.