Biochemical analysis of class II antigens. Identification of a two- and a three-polypeptide chain complex of I-A locus equivalent molecules in the rat.

The polypeptide chain composition of class II antigens from LEW rat spleen cells was studied utilizing cross-reactive mouse alloantiserum A. TH anti-A.TL (specificity anti-Iak) and the monoclonal antibodies MRC-OX6 and MRC-OX3 for immunoprecipitation. Two-dimensional gel mapping of A. TH anti-A. TL immunoprecipitates revealed that, as in the mouse, two groups of class II antigens exist corresponding to I-A and I-E locus equivalent structures. In the absence of reducing agents three monomeric chains α, 36 kDa (p36); γ, 33 kDa (p33); and β, 23 kDa (p23), were detected for I-A equivalent antigens, whereas I-E equivalent molecules separated into five monomeric chains: α, 37 kDa (p37); γ, 33 kDa…