The major histocompatibility complex of the rat (Rattus norvegicus).

This review of the RT1 complex, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the rat, focuses on genetic, genomic, evolutionary, and functional aspects at the molecular level. The class I, class II, and framework genes are listed. The physical map of the RT1 complex as revealed by analysis of clonal contigs is compared with the human and mouse MHC, and the degree of orthologous relationship is outlined. Elucidation of the RT1 complex provides important information for using the rat as a model of experimental transplantation and complex diseases.