Abstract
Qa-2 molecules are weak transplantation antigens encoded by class I genes of the major histocompatibility complex. When expressed In transgenic CBA mice, Qa-2 molecules provoke rapid rejection of skin grafts and strong, Qa-2 specific, cytotoxic T-cell responses. Efficient rejection of skin grafts from Qa-2 transgenic mice takes place when Qa-2 molecules are attached to the cell membrane with a glycophosphatidyl anchor or by a transmembrane protein domain, except that rejection times are siightiy longer In the former case. These results demonstrate that Qa-2 molecules can behave as major transplantation antigens, as do closely related H-2 molecules. Failure of Qa-2 molecules to provoke strong T-cell responses in non-transgenic mice Is probably due to the very low level of expression of Qa-2 molecules In skin kératinocytes from such mice since these cells express increased levels of Qa-2 molecules In all Qa-2 transgenic mice.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 493-502 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | International Immunology |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1991 |
Keywords
- Major histocompatibility complex
- Transgenic mice
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology