Immunogenetics of BCG-induced anergy in mice: control by genes linked to the Igh complex

The genetics of BCG-induced anergy was studied in mice by evaluating delayed hypersensitivity to sheep erythrocytes. Data obtained using congenic mice and by linkage analysis suggested that genes linked to the H-2 complex do not influence the development of anergy. However, studies in allotype-congenic partners (BALB/c; BALB.Igb) indicated that anergy was influenced by genes linked to the immunoglobulin heavy chain complex (Igh). Breeding studies indicated that the gene influencing anergy is recessive. These studies were extended by using BXD recombinant inbred mice, and verified that anergy is controlled by genes linked to the Igh complex. Because several markers and a tentative map has been constructed for the Igh complex on chromosome 12 in BXD mice, we suggest that the gene that controls BCG-induced anergy is located on the centrometric side of Igh-C approximately 18 to 28 recombination units.