MHC coded B-G homodimer and heterodimer heterogeneity among different chicken lines.

Chicken lines were classified into six distinct groups based on expression of B-G molecules by peripheral red blood cells (RBC). In addition to the previously reported 48 kD subunits of homodimeric B-G molecules, subunits of 60, 40, and possibly 20 kD were detected in certain of the chicken lines. Several of the chicken lines express the previously reported 40 and 44 kD subunits of heterodimeric B-G molecules; however, B21B21 chickens expressed 44 kD subunits only and B5B5 and B13B13 chickens did not express detectable levels of any heterodimeric-related molecules. These studies provide further evidence for the polymorphic nature of the B-G antigens.