Identification of an alternatively spliced Kd and the Qa-6d mRNAs by using amplified cDNA

We have employed the primer chain reaction method for direct sequencing of H-2 mRNAs. This approach is highly sensitive and permits quantitation and sequencing of the canonical as well as alternatively spliced mRNAs that may be expressed at 5-10% level in comparison to the major H-2 species. Using this technique, we have identified a novel species of alternatively spliced Kd mRNA expressed in L1210 lymphoma and in the spleen and liver of DBA/2 mice. Similarly, we found a previously described alternatively spliced species of H-2Dd mRNA to be expressed in L1210 lymphoma and have determined the sequence of the cytoplasmic domain of Ld mRNA. In addition, we have identified a Class I MHC transcript presumably encoded by a gene allelic to Q6 gene of BALB/c mice.