The influence of Igh-1 genes on the class and subclass distribution of oxazolone-specific antibodies

Previous studies have demonstrated that the level of the oxazolone-specific antibody response induced by contact sensitization is under the control of H-2 and Igh-1-linked genes. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of H-2 and Igh-1 genes in the regulation of antibody affinity and isotype composition of oxazolone-specific antibodies. Analysis of the antibody response to oxazolone has revealed different ratios of IgG2a and IgG2b antibodies in mice carrying the Igh-1 ^b allele and in strains carrying alleles a, c, and e. The characteristic ratio of IgG2a and IgG2b isotypes persisted during the whole period of the primary and secondary antibody response of CBA and CBA-Ig ^b Igh-C congenic mice. The Igh-1-linked genes influenced the isotype distribution and not the affinity of oxazolone-specific antibodies induced by contact sensitization.Abbreviations used in this paper c.Ig chicken immunoglobulin - Igh-C constant region of immunoglobulin heavy chain - DNCB 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene - DTH delayed-type hypersensitivity - FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate - Igh-1 cluster of structural heavy chain allotype genes of IgG2a - KLH keyhole limpet hemocyanin - KSCN potassium-sulfocyanid - MHC major histocompatibility complex - Ox oxazolone (4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyl-5-oxazolone - Ox-BSA oxazolone-bovine serum albumin - Ox-cap oxazolone-capronic acid - Ox-MSA oxazolone-mouse serum albumin - NP 4-hydroxy-3nitrophenyl acetyl - PVP polivinylpirrolidon - RIA radioimmunoassay - SRBC sheep red blood cell - T_H T helper - T_S T suppressor - Igh-V variable region of immunoglobulin heavy chain