Biology of the chicken MHC (B complex)

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of chicken is the B complex, originally described as a blood group system. Its three classes of cell membrane antigens have been clearly defined by serological, histogenetic, biochemical, and molecular biological methods. Two of these classes are homologous to classes I and II of mammals (B-F and B-L respectively), while the third--B-G antigen--has not so far been detected in mammals. The possible role of this antigen is discussed. The genes of the MHC play important roles in the regulation of immune response, disease resistance, and regression of Rous sarcomas.