Isolation and expression of a cDNA clone encoding HLA-Cw6: unique characteristics of HLA-C encoded gene products

Abstract

The HLA-C encoded gene products display several characteristics which distinguish them from HLA-A and -B. The HLA-C antigens are poorly expressed on the cell surface, they display multiple proteins with different isoelectric points, and alloimmunization to HLA-C antigens is less common. To investigate whether the multiple products result from differential splicing of HLA-C gene transcripts, we have isolated a full-length cDNA clone encoding the Cw6 antigen. Class I antigens produced by the cDNA clone in transfected cells were of the same relative mass as those observed in the parental cells when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Isoelectric focusing (IEF)..