Study of the DBA/2Ha immunodeficiency: X-chromosome mosaicism and in vivo immunoresponses

DBA/2Ha mice have an X-chromosome-linked immunodeficiency and lack the receptor to a TRF (T cell replacing factor) on a subpopulation of B cells. Their immunodeficiency is considered to resemble that of CBA/N, another X-chromosome-linked immunodeficiency. To facilitate direct comparisons of the two immunodeficiencies and to study the in vivo manifestations of DBA/2Ha immunodeficiency, we measured phenotypes and functions of B cells of DBA/2Ha mice. We found that the expression of sIgM among B cells is normal in DBA/2Ha mice, heterozygous females equally express both affected and normal B cell subpopulations, and DBA/2Ha mice respond well to a TI-2 antigen (TNP-Ficoll) and a polyclonal activator (LPS). Unlike CBA/N, DBA/2Ha mice demonstrate very little in vivo immunodeficiencies.