Analysis of BoLA w6. Evidence for multiple subgroups

Abstract

[A major histocompatibility system was defined in cattle.] BoLA w6 is 1 of 16 specificities agreed upon at the 2nd International BoLA Workshop and many laboratories have produced sera reacting with this specificity. Evidence for at least 4 subgroups in w6 is presented. Three Edinburgh, Scotland, sera showing identical reaction patterns in the 1st and 2nd BoLA workshops were studied by absorption. One serum contained a single antibody population reacting with an epitope common to all w6 positive cells. The other 2 contained antibodies against the same common epitope, antibodies to epitopes on 4 subgroups and an antibody reacting only with 1 subgroup w6.1. Another Edinburgh serum contained 2 populations of antibodies. One reacting with the common epitope and 1 with an epitope on 2 or possibly 3 subgroups. Immunization between w6 positive individuals produced antisera to 2 subgroups without producing antibodies to common epitopes. At least 2 additional subgroups are likely to exist. The presence of specificities unique to individual subtypes coupled with epitopes common to some and all w6 subgroups is indicated.