46] Use of monoclonal antibodies in the study of the fine specificity of antigens coded for by the major histocompatibility complex in mice

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter explores that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the mouse, known as the H-2 complex, is composed of a series of linked genes with related characteristics. Genes of this region control a wide variety of cell surface antigens and lymphoid functions. The chapter discusses four different classes of molecules are encoded by the H-2 region. Class I genes encode cell surface glycoproteins having molecular weights of approximately 40,000 to 45,000, and are associated with a β 2 -microglobulin subcomponent. Class II molecules encode a set of cell-surface molecules called Ia, which are composed of two subunits and are involved in cell-cell interactions of the immune system. Class III genes encode molecules which belong to the complement system. Finally, a fourth class of MHC molecules that have a low molecular weight and are detectable by gel electrophoresis techniques. The chapter also reviews that the use of monoclonal reagents has improved our understanding of these determinants and has reinforced the notion that cross-reactive antigens are present on diverse class I and class II molecules. Generally, the same procedures used to detect and characterize alloantiserum reactivity are applicable to monoclonal antibody reagents.