Cell autonomous expression of IgD is not essential for the maturation of conventional B cells.

To analyse the function of IgD in vivo, we generated a 'loss of function' mouse model utilizing gene targeting technology. By homologous recombination in a (C57BL/6 x CBA)F1 mouse embryonic stem cell (ES) line one allele of the delta heavy chain gene was rendered non-functional. In chimeric mice obtained after injection of the targeted ES cells into blastocysts derived from severe combined immunodeficient mice we analysed ES cell derived B lymphocytes expressing the targeted or the wild-type allele by using allotype specific reagents. We show that B cells expressing the targeted allele appear in the periphery as IgM+ D- cells at normal frequency. They express the CD23 marker and respond to a T cell dependent antigen. Thus, cell autonomous expression of IgD is neither essential for B cell maturation into an antigen responsive state nor for antigen dependent triggering of the cells into an immune response.