49] Isolation and analysis of the murine Ia molecular complex

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the murine Ia molecules, which are recognized to be participants in communication among cells of the immune system, and are considered to be the “immune response (Ir) gene products” because structural alteration in Ia molecules or binding of anti-Ia monoclonal antibodies alters the immune response phenotype. It describes the Ia molecular complex, and the means currently used to separate its components for further study. The chapter explores that the Ia molecular complex is composed of genetically polymorphic and nonpolymorphic components. It is generally agreed that the polymorphic components, the α and β chains, are those directly responsible for Ir gene variability and attendant phenotypic traits including capacity to stimulate mixed lymphocyte alloreactivity (MLR). It concludes that the study of these nonpolymorphic components may increase our understanding of the cellular machinery required to support response to a specific signal.