Cell-free synthesis and membrane insertion of mouse H-2Dd histocompatibility antigen and beta 2-microglobulin.

Messenger RNA from SL2 lymphoma cells was translated in a cell-free system in the presence of microsomal membranes. Mouse H-2Dd histocompatibility antigen was correctly assembled in the microsomal membranes, and transmembrane insertion of the nascent chain was accompanied by glycosylation and cleavage of the signal sequence H-2Kd antigens, synthesized in vivo, comprised a transmembrane glycoprotein and an unglycosylated protein in the cytoplasm. The glycosylated forms of the H-2Dd and H-2Kd antigens were modified during intracellular transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. beta 2-Microglobulin was also synthesized in vitro, and transfer of this protein into microsomal vesicles was accompanied by cleavage of its signal sequence. In the endoplasmic reticulum, beta-microglobulin can bind to newly synthesized H-2d glycoproteins. The mRNAs coding for beta 2-microglobulin and H-2Dd antigen could be separated on aqueous sucrose gradients.