Allograft and antibody responses of 15I5-B congenic chickens

Seven congenic lines of chickens that differ from the parental inbred line RPRL-15I5 for genes in the major histocompatibility (B) complex are under development. After 2 to 5 generations of crossing B-homozygous chickens were produced for interim histocompatibility and antibody competence tests. Chickens in each of the B-congenic lines had antigens determining rapid skin graft rejection and stimulation of mixed lymphocyte responses by 15I5 chickens. Several lines repeatedly developed different antibody responses after immunization with sheep red blood cells, killed Brucella abortus, and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Vaccine.