Functional and molecular genetic analysis of a group of rat class I major histocompatibility genes which might be homologous to H-2Qa.

Studies on the major histocompatibility complex of the rat (RT1) will be summarized, which demonstrate the existence of a cluster of class I-like genes differing in expression, function and complexity of their organization from the "classical" class I genes, the gene products of which restrict antigen recognition by T lymphocytes. The characterization of the respective gene region (RT1.C) and its products is based on data obtained with classical genetic, molecular genetic, biochemical and immunological methods. It turns out that the RT1.C region and RT1.C antigens are in many aspects homologous to the H-2Qa region and H-2Qa antigens, respectively, of the mouse.