Histocompatibility Antigens : Structure and Function

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) was discovered as a con­ sequence of the chronic problem encountered by cancer biologists in the early years of this century: the failure to maintain tumor lines by serial passage in outbred mice. A number of observations pointed to genetic similarity being a prerequisite for successful transplantation and they were incorporated into a genetic theory of transplantation by C.C. Little. This prompted scientists like Little to initiate breeding experiments designed to test his hypothesis and produce genetically identical mice which would permit the growth of trans­ planted tumors. Most inbred strains of mice commonly used in immunology derive from those efforts. Transplantation of normal tissues obeyed the same rules found for malignant tissues and rejection was shown to be an immunological phenomenon. G.D. Snell showed that a single genetic locus determined rapid rejection of skin grafts. This was initially called the Major Histocompatibility Locus but was subsequently shown to include many functionally related genes and renamed the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). In mouse this is the H-2 complex and man the HLA complex. During this same period P.A. Front Matter....Pages i-xi The Major Histocompatibility Complex: Analysis at the Protein and DNA Levels....Pages 1-51 The Interaction of MHC Antigens with the Plasma Membrane and the Other Cellular Components....Pages 53-83 Involvement of Self in the Interactions of Lymphocytes and Target Cells: Some Speculations on the Nature of MHC Restriction....Pages 85-117 Antigen Recognition and Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes: An Overview with Emphasis on Properties of Target Cells....Pages 119-157 Immune Response Genes and Ia Antigens. The Relationships Between Them and Their Role in Lymphocyte Interactions....Pages 159-185 MHC-Linked Complement Components....Pages 187-219 Evolution and Function of the Major Histocompatibility Complex....Pages 221-239 Back Matter....Pages 241-246