Cell surface expression of the amino-terminal domain of A(α)(k). Recognition of an isolated MHC antigenic structure by allospecific T cells but not alloantibodies

Abstract

To evaluate the relationship between structure and function of the α1 and β1 domains of class II MHC molecules, a strategy has been developed whereby isolated α1 or β1 domains can be expressed on the surface of transfected mouse L cells as a part of a hybrid class II/class I molecule. The construction and expression of a chimeric class II/class I gene encoding the first two exons of A(α)(k) linked to the C2, TM and cytoplasmic exons of H-2D(d) (A(α1)(k)/D(C2)(d)) are described. High levels of A(α1)(k)/D(C2)(d) protein were detected on transfected L cells with a D(C2)(d)-specific mAb. An anti-Ia xenoantiserum specifically bound to A(α1)(k)/D(C2)(d)-transfected L cells, although 12 different m..