Further analysis of the Ly-6 genetic region: isolation and characterization of cell lines with altered expression of Ly-6 antigens.

The identity, or close linkage, or a series of murine alloantigens encoded by the Ly-6 genetic region has been well documented. We have investigated the relationship between two component antigens, Ly-6.2 and H9/25, by generating and characterizing a number of variant cell lines which have altered antigen expression, isolated by chemical mutagenesis and immunoselection of BW5147 lymphoid cells. Cloned cell lines, selected by either antiserum, show loss of both antigens and also fail to express Thy-1, a further genetically linked, but unrelated determinant. The relevance of these findings to furthering understanding of the structure of the Ly-6 region and regulation of antigen expression is discussed.