Functional reconstitution of class II major histocompatibility complex molecules, I-A alpha k and I-A beta k

Genomic DNA fragments carrying the genes, I-A alpha k and I-A beta k, encoding the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule I-Ak were inserted into a transducing vector pRSVneo. This vector was introduced into a B lymphoma line expressing the class II molecules (H-2d). The resultant transformants expressed I-Ak molecules on the membrane surface. These transformants were capable of presenting antigen to I-Ak restricted helper T (Th) cells and were susceptible to lysis by class II specific killer T cells. The vector pR-A alpha kA beta k which contains both I-A alpha k and I-A beta k genes will provide a useful tool to analyze function of Ia molecules in cellular interaction, recognition, regulations and stimulation.