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The cryptic HLA-DQA2 ("DX alpha") gene is expressed in human B cell lines
1Research Department, American Red Cross Blood Services, Madison, WI.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|December 15, 1991
Summary
Researchers investigated the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ genes. Spliced DQA2 mRNA was detected in B lymphoblastoid cell lines, but DQB2 mRNA was not found.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex
Background:
- The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region contains two DQA/DQB gene pairs: DQA1/B1 and DQA2/B2.
- The DQA2/B2 gene pair has not been previously found to be expressed, despite appearing normal at the DNA sequence level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the DQA2 and DQB2 genes.
- To determine the cell types in which DQA2 and DQB2 might be expressed, if at all.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis
- Nuclease protection assays
- mRNA sequencing
- Retroviral vector expression studies
Main Results:
- Spliced DQA2 mRNA was detected in human B lymphoblastoid cell lines.
- No evidence of DQB2 mRNA was found in the same cell lines.
- DQA2 mRNA was not detected in U937 monocyte cell lines or activated T cells.
Conclusions:
- The DQA2 gene is expressed, producing spliced mRNA, specifically in human B lymphoblastoid cell lines.
- The DQB2 gene does not appear to be expressed in the examined cell types.
- The expression pattern of DQA2 suggests a potential role in specific immune cell populations.