Genetic chasing of T helper cell idiotype and allotype genes.

The present experiments were performed to study whether the genes responsible for the expression of T-idiotypes and allotypes could be mapped in relation to immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain V- and C-genes. Use was made of our antiserum 5936, which detects idiotypes in B6 and anti-B10.BR sera and on Lyt-1+, 2.3-B6 anti-B10.BR T-cell populations, and antiserum 6036, which detects allotypes on Lyt-1+, 2.3-B6 T cells, but which does not react against Ig. The reactivity of these antisera with T cells from (B6 X C3H.OH) X C3H.OH backcross mice and CBA-allotype congenic B6 mice was investigated because 5936 idiotypes and 6036 allotypes appeared to be associated with Igh-1b genes (B6) and not with Igh-1j genes (C3H.OH,CBA). Our results will show, first, that 5936 idiotypes on Lyt-1+, s.3-B6 anti-B10.BR T cells are synthesized by genes linked to Igh-1b allotype genes and they are situated either within Ig heavy chain V-genes or centromeric to them. Second, our results will show that 6036 allotypes on Lyt-1+, 2.3-B6 T cells are produced by genes also linked to Igh-1b-allotype genes, and the 6036 allotype genes are situated between Ig-VH and prealbumin genes.