Structural studies of the class II histocompatibility antigens of the ACI rat

The class II antigens of the ACI rat were studied using both conventional alloantisera and monoclonal antibodies. By sequential immunoprecipitation experiments and cell binding studies, alloantisera were shown to contain antibodies to both the RT1.B and the RT1.D gene products. Using one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, the structures of these gene products were shown to be distinguishable. The importance of these differences for the immune response and antigen presentation is discussed.