Tissue-specific expression and structure of a divergent member of a class I MHC gene family

The class I gene family of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the miniature swine (SLA) contains seven members. Six of these are highly homologous, whereas the seventh, PD6, is only distantly related. A genomic clone containing PD6 has been isolated and characterized. The PD6 SLA gene, although only 55% homologous to the other SLA class I sequences, is still a member of the family; its size and exon/intron organization are similar to other class I genes. When aligned with other SLA genes, exons 1 to 6 of PD6 have open reading frames; exon 7 contains a termination codon. PD6 is transcribed in transfected mouse L cells where its expression is enhanced by interferon. In vivo expression of PD6 is observed in a variety of tissues, with the highest levels in mature lymphoid tissues. Peripheral T cells contain high levels of PD6-specific RNA relative to B cells, whereas no PD6 transcripts are detectable in thymocytes.