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Lymphocyte Reactivity to Serologically Undetected Components of the Major Histocompatibility Complex

Nature New Biology volume 242, pages 239–241 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

THE major histocompatibility (H) systems are classically defined by antisera obtained following isoimmunization. The ability of the major histocompatibility loci antigens to stimulate bone marrow derived (B) lymphocytes to produce antibody is in fact so well accepted that some authors have suggested that virtually any antisera produced against allogeneic lymphocytes will react with major loci antigens. These serologically detected (SD) antigens in the mouse are controlled by two genetic loci (H-2K on the left and H-2D on the right) approximately 0.5 recombinational units apart1. The chromosomal segment between these two loci can be divided into two regions: one, next to H-2K, containing the presently identified loci controlling immune responsiveness (Ir)2,3 and two, between Ir and H-2D, a region including the Ss-Slp locus4. We will refer to this entire chromosomal region as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In addition to the H loci in the MHC there are many minor H loci segregating independently of the MHC which can, if different in two animals, lead to graft rejection. These differences are in many cases impossible to detect serologically. Until recently, however, H differences in the MHC were, as discussed above, thought to be easily recognizable by serological techniques.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Medical Genetics, Surgery, Pediatrics and Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin

    M. B. WIDMER, B. J. ALTER, F. H. BACH & M. L. BACH

  2. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine

    D. W. BAILEY

Authors
  1. M. B. WIDMER
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  2. B. J. ALTER
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  3. F. H. BACH
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  4. M. L. BACH
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  5. D. W. BAILEY
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WIDMER, M., ALTER, B., BACH, F. et al. Lymphocyte Reactivity to Serologically Undetected Components of the Major Histocompatibility Complex. Nature New Biology 242, 239–241 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio242239a0

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