H-2-linked gene(s) influence the granulomatous reaction to viable Mycobacterium lepraemurium in the mouse.

The genetic control of the granulomatous response to viable Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM) was studied in C3H and C57BL/6 inbred strains, BXH recombinant inbred strains, (C3H X C57BL) F1 hybrids, and backcross mice. The results indicate that an autosomal dominant gene, or linked complex of genes, has a marked influence on the footpad reaction to viable MLM. The distribution of responders and non-responders among 12 BXH recombinant inbred strains and linkage analysis in C3H X (C3H X C57BL)F1 backcross mice indicated that the response gene(s) are linked to the H-2 complex on chromosome 17. The same gene(s) also influence host restriction of MLM multiplication and thus appear to be the first H-2-linked gene(s) influencing resistance to a bacterial infection.