Further molecular complexities of H–2 K- and D-region antigens

Abstract

The K and D regions of the H-2 gene complex are highly polymorphic and control cell-surface structures involved in the H-2 restriction of [mouse] cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Originally it was assumed that each of these regions controlled only 1 type of antigenic molecule, H-2K and H-2D, respectively. The finding that the D region controls H-2L and H-2M, and H-2D, molecules suggests that the system of H-2 antigens is more complicated. Previously unknown H-2 molecules detected by anti-K and D-region alloantisera in co-capping experiements were demonstrated. Three different types of molecule, distinct from Ia and Qa antigens are distinguished in the products of the Ddx region, and 2 in the products of the Dk and Kd regions. Analysis of the antigenic heterogeneity of K- and D-region products may further understanding of the function of these regions in cell-mediated immunity.