ISSN:
1432-1211
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The HLA-Cw1 and -Cw2 genes were identified in a genomic library and their products characterized by biochemical methods. The HLA-Cw and -Cw2 genes, upon transfection in mouse L cells, give rise to class I antigen heavy chains that associate with neither mouse nor human beta-2 microglobulin. They are indistinguishable in isoelectric point from polypeptides identified as HLA-Cw1 and -Cw2 in human cells. The nucleotide sequence of HLA-Cw1 and -Cw2 and their comparison with HLA-Cw3, the only other known HLA-C sequence, reveal a characteristic pattern of locus-specific amino acids. A comparison of 13 different human class I primary structures leads us to speculate that the most variable region in HLA class I antigens, positions 61–83, could assume an alpha helical structure of critical importance for class I antigen function. The locus specificity and the higher degree of intralocus conservation in the COON-terminal region, especially in the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, must reflect evolutionary ancestry rather than positive selection. In view of the pattern and types of substitutions observed for HLA-C locus products, their function as immune response gene products is questioned.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00404424
Permalink