HLA-DRA Promoter Research Articles

Transcription factor B cell lineage-specific activator protein regulates the gene for human X-box binding protein 1.

The transcription factor human X-box binding protein 1 (hXBP-1) is a basic region-leucine zipper protein implicated in the regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II gene expression as well as in exocrine gland and skeletal development. Multiple regulatory elements in the hXBP-1 promoter lie 3' to the transcription start site, including the hX2 site, whose core sequence is an AP-1-like element identical to the hXBP-1 target sequence in the HLA-DRA promoter. One complex identified by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), complex 3, was previously shown to protect the hX2 site and more 3' bases. Sequence analysis now shows that this region contains a consensus binding site for transcription factor BSAP (B cell lineage-specific activator protein). Complex 3 and BSAP have identical cell-type specificities, as they are found only in pre-B and mature B cell lines. In EMSAs, BSAP antibody specifically recognized complex 3, and in vitro translated BSAP could bind to an hXBP promoter fragment. Cotransfections using an hXBP-1 reporter construct indicated that BSAP downregulates the hXBP-1 promoter. The highest levels of hXBP-1 mRNA were found when BSAP was not expressed, in pre-Pro-B cells and in plasma cell lines. In addition, hXBP-1 and BSAP levels were inversely correlated along the early stages of B cell development. In the regulation of the hXBP-1 promoter, a strong positive transcriptional influence at the hX2 site is opposed by the downregulatory actions of BSAP.

Functional roles of the transcription factor Oct-2A and the high mobility group protein I/Y in HLA-DRA gene expression.

The class II major histocompatibility complex gene HLA-DRA is expressed in B cells, activated T lymphocytes, and in antigen-presenting cells. In addition, HLA-DRA gene expression is inducible in a variety of cell types by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Here we show that the lymphoid-specific transcription factor Oct-2A plays a critical role in HLA-DRA gene expression in class II-positive B cell lines, and that the high mobility group protein (HMG) I/Y binds to multiple sites within the DRA promoter, including the Oct-2A binding site. Coexpression of HMG I/Y and Oct-2 in cell lines lacking Oct-2 results in high levels of HLA-DRA gene expression, and in vitro DNA-binding studies reveal that HMG I/Y stimulates Oct-2A binding to the HLA-DRA promoter. Thus, Oct-2A and HMG I/Y may synergize to activate HLA-DRA expression in B cells. By contrast, Oct-2A is not involved in the IFN-gamma induction of the HLA-DRA gene in HeLa cells, but antisense HMG I/Y dramatically decreases the level of induction. We conclude that distinct sets of transcription factors are involved in the two modes of HLA-DRA expression, and that HMG I/Y may be important for B cell-specific expression, and is essential for IFN-gamma induction.

Class II MHC gene expression in microglia. Regulation by the cytokines IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and TGF-beta.

The molecular mechanism(s) by which three cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta) affect class II MHC gene expression in primary rat microglia was examined. IFN-gamma is a potent inducer of the class II gene, and this induction is unaffected by treatment with either TNF-alpha or TGF-beta. Transient transfection of primary rat microglia with an HLA-DRA promoter linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene (DRA-CAT) demonstrated that IFN-gamma acts at the transcriptional level to induce class II MHC gene expression, and that TNF-alpha and TGF-beta have no influence on IFN-gamma-induced promoter activity. Experiments using a series of DRA substitution mutants that individually affect the W, X1, X2, or Y elements, as well as a double mutation in both X1 and X2, indicate that all four of these elements are required for responsiveness of the DRA promoter to IFN-gamma. The effect of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha on DNA binding proteins by microglia was examined. A constitutive complex with specificity for the X2 box was detected in extracts from unstimulated microglia. IFN-gamma treatment changed this complex to migrate with slower mobility, and TNF-alpha had no effect on either the constitutive or IFN-gamma-induced complexes. These studies provide information on the molecular regulation of the class II MHC gene in microglia, a cell type critically involved in immune regulation within the central nervous system.

Affinity Enrichment and Functional Characterization of TRAX1, a Novel Transcription Activator and X1-Sequence-Binding Protein of HLA-DRA

The promoters of all class II major histocompatibility (MHC) genes contain a positive regulatory motif, the X element. The DNA-binding proteins specific for this element are presumed to play a critical role in gene expression, although there is a paucity of functional studies supporting this role. In this study, the X-box-binding proteins of HLA-DRA were affinity purified from HeLa nuclear extracts. Fractions 46 to 48 contained an X-box-binding activity and were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays to be specific for the X1 element. This X1 sequence-binding-protein, transcriptional activator X1 (TRAX1), was shown to be a specific transcriptional activator of the HLA-DRA promoter in an in vitro transcription assay. By UV cross-linking analysis, the approximate molecular mass of TRAX1 including the bound DNA was determined to be 40 kDa. When the TRAX1 complex was incubated with antibodies against a known recombinant X-box-binding protein, RFX1, and tested in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, TRAX1 was neither shifted nor blocked by the antibody. Further analysis with methylation interference showed that TRAX1 bound to the 5' end of the X1 sequence at -109 and -108 and created hypersensitive sites at -114, -113, and -97. This methylation interference pattern is distinct from those of the known X1-binding proteins RFX1, RFX, NF-Xc, and NF-X. Taken together, our results indicate that TRAX1 is a novel X1-sequence-binding protein and transcription activator of HLA-DRA.

A novel cysteine-rich sequence-specific DNA-binding protein interacts with the conserved X-box motif of the human major histocompatibility complex class II genes via a repeated Cys-His domain and functions as a transcriptional repressor.

The class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules function in the presentation of processed peptides to helper T cells. As most mammalian cells can endocytose and process foreign antigen, the critical determinant of an antigen-presenting cell is its ability to express class II MHC molecules. Expression of these molecules is usually restricted to cells of the immune system and dysregulated expression is hypothesized to contribute to the pathogenesis of a severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome and certain autoimmune diseases. Human complementary DNA clones encoding a newly identified, cysteine-rich transcription factor, NF-X1, which binds to the conserved X-box motif of class II MHC genes, were obtained, and the primary amino acid sequence deduced. The major open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 1,104 amino acids with a symmetrical organization. A central cysteine-rich portion encodes the DNA-binding domain, and is subdivided into seven repeated motifs. This motif is similar to but distinct from the LIM domain and the RING finger family, and is reminiscent of known metal-binding regions. The unique arrangement of cysteines indicates that the consensus sequence CX3CXL-XCGX1-5HXCX3CHXGXC represents a novel cysteine-rich motif. Two lines of evidence indicate that the polypeptide encodes a potent and biologically relevant repressor of HLA-DRA transcription: (a) overexpression of NF-X1 from a retroviral construct strongly decreases transcription from the HLA-DRA promoter; and (b) the NF-X1 transcript is markedly induced late after induction with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), coinciding with postinduction attenuation of HLA-DRA transcription. The NF-X1 protein may therefore play an important role in regulating the duration of an inflammatory response by limiting the period in which class II MHC molecules are induced by IFN-gamma.

Functional Complementation of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Regulatory Mutants by the Purified X-box-Binding Protein RFX

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II deficiency, or bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS), is a disease of gene regulation. Patients with BLS have been classified into at least three complementation groups (A, B, and C) believed to correspond to three distinct MHC class II regulatory genes. The elucidation of the molecular basis for this disease will thus clarify the mechanisms controlling the complex regulation of MHC class II genes. Complementation groups B and C are characterized by a lack of binding of RFX, a nuclear protein that normally binds specifically to the X box cis-acting element present in the promoters of all MHC class II genes. We have now purified RFX to near homogeneity by affinity chromatography. Using an in vitro transcription system based on the HLA-DRA promoter, we show here that extracts from RFX-deficient cells from patients with BLS (BLS cells) in groups B and C, which are transcriptionally inactive in this assay, can be complemented to full transcriptional activity by the purified RFX. As expected, purified RFX also restores a completely normal pattern of X box-binding complexes in these mutant extracts. This provides the first direct functional evidence that RFX is an activator of MHC class II gene transcription and that its absence is indeed responsible for the regulatory defect in MHC class II gene expression in patients with BLS.

Functional complementation of major histocompatibility complex class II regulatory mutants by the purified X-box-binding protein RFX.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II deficiency, or bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS), is a disease of gene regulation. Patients with BLS have been classified into at least three complementation groups (A, B, and C) believed to correspond to three distinct MHC class II regulatory genes. The elucidation of the molecular basis for this disease will thus clarify the mechanisms controlling the complex regulation of MHC class II genes. Complementation groups B and C are characterized by a lack of binding of RFX, a nuclear protein that normally binds specifically to the X box cis-acting element present in the promoters of all MHC class II genes. We have now purified RFX to near homogeneity by affinity chromatography. Using an in vitro transcription system based on the HLA-DRA promoter, we show here that extracts from RFX-deficient cells from patients with BLS (BLS cells) in groups B and C, which are transcriptionally inactive in this assay, can be complemented to full transcriptional activity by the purified RFX. As expected, purified RFX also restores a completely normal pattern of X box-binding complexes in these mutant extracts. This provides the first direct functional evidence that RFX is an activator of MHC class II gene transcription and that its absence is indeed responsible for the regulatory defect in MHC class II gene expression in patients with BLS.

CCAAT box binding protein NF-Y facilitates in vivo recruitment of upstream DNA binding transcription factors.

NF-Y binds a CCAAT motif found in many eukaryotic polymerase II-dependent promoters. In the HLA-DRA promoter it has been demonstrated that stereo-specific alignment between this motif and the upstream elements X1 and X2 is required for activation. To study the underlying mechanism for this requirement, a panel of transfected cell lines that maintained integrated, wild-type and mutant promoters were analyzed by in vivo genomic footprinting. Cell lines harboring a mutated CCAAT element exhibited a loss of interactions at the CCAAT site, as expected, and no transcriptional activity. Most importantly, mutation of the CCAAT sequence nearly abolished in vivo binding at the X1 and X2 sites, while mutations of X1 and X2 had little effect on CCAAT box binding. However, X1 and X2 binding was interdependent. In vitro, X1 binding activities are known to be stabilized by NF-Y binding. Interaction between NF-Y and X box binding proteins was demonstrated by reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation in the absence of DNA and co-affinity purification in the presence of DNA. Collectively, these studies indicate that occupancy of the CCAAT element represents an early event affecting other protein-DNA interactions and suggest that NF-Y stabilizes and interacts with X box factors to mediate this function. These findings may represent a common theme among promoters containing a CCAAT element.

Physiologic target of the Air-1 trans-activator revealed by stable transfection assay.

RJ 2.2.5 is a human B cell mutant, derived from Raji cells, which has lost expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes because of a defect in the AIR1 locus function. The MHC class II-positive phenotype can be restored by introducing an active AIR1 locus or its mouse equivalent, Air-1. An example of the latter is the H4 cell hybrid, derived by somatic cell fusion between RJ 2.2.5 and mouse class II-positive spleen cells. H4 contains a single mouse chromosome, autosome 16, in which the Air-1 locus maps, and an entire RJ 2.2.5-derived genome. In the present study we show that the physiologic target of the Air-1 locus product is contained within a limited HLA-DRA promoter sequence of 300 base pairs, encompassing the crucial Y, X, and W cis-acting elements. A plasmid construct, pDRA300neo, containing the HLA-DRA promoter sequence which drives the expression of the neomycin resistance gene, has been stably integrated in the genome of the H4 hybrid. Transfectants selected in the presence of G418 retain mouse chromosome 16 and express the DR genes. On the other hand, transfectants grown in a non-selective medium segregate mouse chromosome 16; this is accompanied by a loss of DRA gene expression and G418 resistance, although pDRA300neo is still integrated in the genome. These results offer scope for using this experimental model to clone the Air-1 gene in a straightforward way.

Class II MHC transcriptional mutants are defective in higher order complex formation.

Human class II MHC genes are regulated in part by a series of conserved upstream sequence elements termed the X1, X2, and Y boxes. Class II MHC transcriptional mutant B cell lines have been defined that differ with regard to the presence of RFX, an X1 box DNA-binding activity. To further characterize these mutant cell lines, we tested the ability of these conserved upstream elements to respond to the presence of known transcriptional activation domains. A series of HLA-DRA promoter reporter constructions carrying Gal4 binding sites and GAL4 fusion protein expression vectors were cotransfected into both wild type B cells and mutant B cells representing the two RFX phenotypes. Regardless of RFX or class II phenotype, the activation domains of GAL4-VP16 and GAL4-E1a could synergistically stimulate expression of constructions containing both the X2 and Y boxes. GAL4-VP16- and GAL4-E1a-mediated expression was inhibited by the presence of the X1 box in cells that contained RFX. In mutant cells that lacked RFX, GAL4-VP16 activation was not inhibited. In the RFX-positive class II mutant cell line RJ2.2.5, the X1 box inhibitory activity could be overcome by separating the Gal4 site from the X1 box by two additional helical turns, suggesting that the RFX factor is bound at the X1 site and sterically interferes with activation. This was not the case in wild type B cells, suggesting that a stable higher order complex forms in wild type cells and not in the mutant cells.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha response elements in the HLA-DRA promoter: identification of a tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced DNA-protein complex in astrocytes.

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) alone does not induce class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression in most primary cells but can regulate ongoing class II expression in either a positive or negative fashion. The mechanism(s) by which TNF-alpha enhances interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)-induced class II expression was examined in a primary cell type, the astrocyte, by transient transfection of the HLA-DRA promoter linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene (DRA-CAT). We show that TNF-alpha, while having no effect on its own, can synergize with IFN-gamma to increase the level of promoter activity of a DRA-CAT construct. Three known sequences--W, X, and Y--are required for TNF-alpha enhancement of IFN-gamma-induced promoter activity. The corollary effect of TNF-alpha on DNA-binding proteins specific for these elements was examined. A previous report described a DNA-binding protein, IFN-gamma-enhanced factor X (IFNEX), which is upregulated by IFN-gamma in astrocytes and is specific for the X box of the DRA promoter. In this study, we found that TNF-alpha alone did not induce any nuclear proteins; however, combined treatment of astrocytes with both IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha induced a DNA-protein complex of slower electrophoretic mobility than IFNEX. The TNF-alpha-induced complex (TIC-X) has specificity for the X element of the DRA promoter. These results suggest a mechanism by which TNF-alpha enhances IFN-gamma-induced class II MHC expression via the formation of TIC-X.

Usage of primary cells to delineate IFN-gamma-responsive DNA elements in the HLA-DRA promoter and to identify a novel IFN-gamma-enhanced nuclear factor.

The IFN-gamma regulation of the HLA-DRA gene was examined in a primary cell type, the astrocyte. Site-specific mutagenesis of the DRA promoter reveals that three known sequences, S, X, and Y, are required for an optimal IFN-gamma response. Specifically for the X sequence, the X1, but not the X2, site is involved in IFN-gamma regulation of HLA-DRA in the astrocyte. Most interesting, a novel IFN-gamma-enhanced protein (IFNEX) with specificity for the X element has consistently been observed in nuclear extracts made from primary astrocytes. The correlation of the functional importance of X1 in IFN-gamma-regulated DRA expression and the enhancement of IFNEX by IFN-gamma strongly suggests that IFNEX may play a crucial role in IFN-gamma-regulated class II MHC gene expression.

Genetic complexity of regulatory mutants defective for HLA class II gene expression.

MHC (called HLA in man) class II genes play an essential role in cell-mediated immunity. Absence of HLA class II Ag on B lymphocytes is the basis of some congenital immunodeficiencies (CID). We have studied CID by generating transient heterokaryons from cell lines of such patients, and we report that the mutations fall into four complementation groups. In addition, fusions with the HLA class II deletion mutant 721.180 indicate that the genetic defects for each group in HLA class II expression map outside the HLA class II region. A small HLA-DRA promoter fragment is sufficient to drive expression of a reporter gene in normal B cell lines, but expression from the same construct is clearly reduced in mutant cell lines representative of all four complementation groups. This confirms earlier results that indicate defective transcription of HLA class II genes in the class II- CID mutant cell lines. Analysis of proteins that bind to the DRA promoter in nuclear extracts of the mutants suggests that complexes recognizing distinct elements of the DRA promoter may be quantitatively decreased in different mutants. In addition, we show that nuclear extracts from two groups fail to transcribe a DRA promoter construct in vitro accurately reflecting their DRA- phenotypes. In contrast, nuclear extracts from another mutant, RJ2.2.5, transcribe the DRA construct, albeit at a reduced level. Finally, though cell lines from different groups complement each other in vivo, no complementation was observed by mixing extracts for transcription in vitro.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha response elements in the HLA-DRA promoter: identification of a tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced DNA-protein complex in astrocytes.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha response elements in the HLA-DRA promoter: identification of a tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced DNA-protein complex in astrocytes.

Defective HLA DRA X box binding in the class II transactive transcription factor mutant 6.1.6 and in cell lines from class II immunodeficient patients.

6.1.6 is one of several immunoselected mutants from EBV-transformed human B cell lines that have undergone coordinate loss of expression of all their HLA class II genes. Similar defects have been found in cells from some patients with class II immunodeficiencies. Previous studies have suggested that the defects in 6.1.6 and in the other class II regulatory mutants are in transactive factors required for class II transcription. The defective factors, however, have not been identified. Here we present two lines of evidence that serve to localize the site of action of the factor that is defective in 6.1.6. First, transfected indicator genes linked to HLA DRA promoter fragments that include the conserved X box region are transiently expressed at greatly reduced levels in 6.1.6, compared with the progenitor cell line T5-1. Second, a DNA-protein complex, termed X-A, formed by nuclear extracts from T5-1 with DRA sequences containing the X box and a few bases 5' and 3' to it, is missing with extracts from 6.1.6. Extracts from some but not all patients with class II-negative immunodeficiency also fail to form X-A, whereas extracts from class II-negative mutants derived from the Burkitt's line Raji do form an apparently normal X-A complex. The X-A complex contains proteins of approximately 22, 32, 82, and 92 kDa that can be cross-linked to a 5-bromodeoxyuridine-substituted X box probe by UV light. A defect in an X box-binding protein, or in a factor required for its binding, is a likely cause for the loss of transcription of the class II genes in 6.1.6.

Regulatory factor-X binding to mutant HLA-DRA promoter sequences

The class II genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encode a family of cell surface glycoproteins that present processed antigen to the T cell receptor. Class II genes are regulated coordinately, responding to both immunologic and developmental signals. Conserved sequence elements 5' to class II genes have been shown to be important in transcriptional control. One of these sequences, the X box, is a specific target for the binding of the factor RF-X. In the hereditary HLA class II deficiency, a form of primary immunodeficiency, a regulatory defect in expression of class II genes is associated with a defect in the binding of RF-X. To determine the basepairs that are important for this binding interaction, a series of single basepair substitutions spanning the X box motif of the DRA gene was constructed and tested for binding of RF-X by gel electrophoresis mobility shift assays (EMSAs). Several, but not all, of the mutants severely affected binding of RF-X. In addition, the binding of both the natural and the recombinant form of RF-X was affected with the same specificity. A comparison of X box basepair positions important for RF-X binding to DRA with sequences conserved between X boxes of other class II alpha chain genes suggests that high affinity RF-X binding is important for a high level of expression and may explain differences in the levels of class II expression of different class II alpha chains.

Two B cell factors bind the HLA-DRA X box region and recognize different subsets of HLA class II promoters

The class II genes of the human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) encode three isotypes of alpha/beta heterodimeric proteins, HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP, which are responsible for presenting processed antigens to T helper lymphocytes. These MHC class II genes are expressed in a coordinate manner. The promoter regions of all MHC class II genes share a set of highly conserved elements that mediate different levels of tissue-specific and inducible transcription. One element, the X box, appears to be the major positive element in B cell-specific expression, and nuclear protein binding studies have subdivided this region into the X1 and X2 boxes. Regulatory Factor X (RFX) binds to the X1 box whereas several other factors have been described that bind to the X2 box. In this report, we further characterize the X1 binding protein RFX and show that RFX binds poorly to beta chain gene promoters. In particular, RFX does not bind to the DRB gene, which is expressed at the highest levels of all beta chain genes. In addition, we have identified an X2 box binding activity in human B cell extracts that binds with high affinity to the HLA-DRA promoter. This X2 binding protein, X2BP, binds to a different subset of class II promoters than does RFX. These findings suggest that coordinate regulation of class II expression may involve different combinations or arrangements of transcriptional elements and factors instead of a common set.

Functional analysis of cis‐linked regulatory sequences in the HLA DRA promoter by transcription in vitro

Two consensus sequences, called X and Y boxes, capable of binding nuclear proteins and regulating expression in B cells have been defined within the immediate upstream region of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II promoters. Unlike other class II promoters, the HLA-DR alpha (DRA) promoter also contains one element identical to the "octamer" motif of immunoglobulin variable region promoters that is responsible for B cell-specific transcription. This "octamer" in the context of DRA appears capable of binding both the ubiquitous (OTF-1) and lymphoid-specific (OTF-2) "octamer" binding proteins, but at least one other distinct "octamer" complex was found. In order to characterize the function of cis-acting elements, we have developed an in vitro system in which a DRA promoter construct is transcribed more efficiently in extracts from B cells than in extracts from class II-negative HeLa cells. 5' deletion constructs which lacked the Y box, but retained the "octamer" motif and TATA box were completely inactive, and internal deletion of the Y box reduced transcription by 95%. Using supercoiled, but not linear templates, we observed differences in transcription efficiencies from templates lacking or disrupting the X consensus element that reflect effects of random replacement of X box sequences in transient expression assays. Demonstration of the complete dependence on the Y box in this system suggests that, despite its demonstrated importance in the DRA promoter, the DRA "octamer" does not utilize OTF-2 in a manner analogous to immunoglobulin promoters in B cells.

Inherited Immunodeficiency with a Defect in a Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Promoter-Binding Protein Differs in the Chromatin Structure of the HLA-DRA Gene

A defect in a trans-regulatory factor which controls major histocompatibility complex class II gene expression is responsible for an inherited form of immunodeficiency with a lack of expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II antigens. We have recently described and cloned an HLA class II promoter DNA-binding protein, RF-X, present in normal B cells and absent in these class II-deficient regulatory mutants. Here we report that these in vitro results correlate with a specific change in the chromatin structure of the class II promoter: two prominent DNase I-hypersensitive sites were identified in the promoter of the HLA-DRA gene in normal B lymphocytes and found to be absent in the class II-deficient mutant cells. The same two prominent DNase I-hypersensitive sites were observed in normal fibroblastic cells induced by gamma interferon to express class II genes. Interestingly, they were also observed in the uninduced class II-negative fibroblastic cells, which have also been shown to have a normal RF-X binding pattern. We conclude that the two DNase I-hypersensitive sites in the HLA-DRA promoter reflect features in chromatin structure which correlate with the binding of the trans-acting factor RF-X and which are necessary but not sufficient for the expression of class II genes.

Inherited immunodeficiency with a defect in a major histocompatibility complex class II promoter-binding protein differs in the chromatin structure of the HLA-DRA gene.

A defect in a trans-regulatory factor which controls major histocompatibility complex class II gene expression is responsible for an inherited form of immunodeficiency with a lack of expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II antigens. We have recently described and cloned an HLA class II promoter DNA-binding protein, RF-X, present in normal B cells and absent in these class II-deficient regulatory mutants. Here we report that these in vitro results correlate with a specific change in the chromatin structure of the class II promoter: two prominent DNase I-hypersensitive sites were identified in the promoter of the HLA-DRA gene in normal B lymphocytes and found to be absent in the class II-deficient mutant cells. The same two prominent DNase I-hypersensitive sites were observed in normal fibroblastic cells induced by gamma interferon to express class II genes. Interestingly, they were also observed in the uninduced class II-negative fibroblastic cells, which have also been shown to have a normal RF-X binding pattern. We conclude that the two DNase I-hypersensitive sites in the HLA-DRA promoter reflect features in chromatin structure which correlate with the binding of the trans-acting factor RF-X and which are necessary but not sufficient for the expression of class II genes.