Somatic hyperconversion diversifies the single Vh gene of the chicken with a high incidence in the D region

The chicken heavy chain locus contains a single JH segment and a unique functional VH gene (VH1) 15 kb upstream, with approximately 15 D elements in between. A cluster of pseudogenes (psi VH) spans 60-80 kb, starting 7 kb upstream from VH1, with an average density of one pseudogene per 0.85 kb and an almost systematic alternation of polarity. Diversification of the unique rearranged VH1 gene takes place during bursal ontogeny by the same hyperconversion mechanism that was described for the chicken light chain, with psi VH segments acting as donors. The hyperconversion mechanism also operates within the D region, as all pseudogenes analyzed are fused VD elements; this D region possesses distinct characteristics, allowing higher combinatorial possibilities in the gene conversion process. Allelic exclusion appears to be performed by restriction of a complete VDJ rearrangement to a single allele.