Transfection into mouse L cells of genes encoding two serologically and functionally distinct bovine class I MHC molecules from a MHC-homozygous animal: evidence for a second class I locus in cattle.

w10 and KN104 are distinct class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) serological specificities present in Boran (Bos indicus) cattle. Although these specificities are commonly expressed together, they may also be expressed independently. To establish whether w10 and KN104, when expressed together, are on the same or different molecules, and whether a second class I MHC locus exists in cattle, genomic DNA from an animal homozygous for a haplotype encoding the w10 and KN104 specificities was transfected into thymidine kinase-deficient mouse L cells (Ltk- cells), and the transfected cells were screened with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for the w10 or KN104 allospecificities. Two different populations of transfectants were identified: the cells of one population reacted only with w10-specific mAb, whereas those of the other population were recognized only by the KN104-specific mAb. Alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) also distinguished between the two populations. Two CTL clones, shown to be restricted by the KN104 specificity, killed only those L cells expressing molecules recognized by the KN104-reactive mAb. Of eight CTL clones which recognized class I molecules associated with the w10 specificity, four killed the L cells expressing the w10 specificity. The remaining four clones did not kill either population of transfectants. Finally, immunoprecipitation studies revealed that both populations express full-length bovine class I MHC molecules. These results demonstrate that the w10 and KN104 specificities are on distinct class I molecules. As the genes encoding these molecules were derived from a MHC-homozygous animal, the findings also provide strong evidence that there are at least two classical class I loci in cattle.