Complete coding nucleotide sequence of cDNA for the class II RT1.B beta I chain of the Lewis rat.

We have established the first full length cDNA clone for the beta light chain of the MHC class II alpha, beta heterodimer (isotype RT1.B) of the rat. Clone pLR beta 118 was obtained from a self-primed lambda gt10 cDNA library of IFN-tau treated bone marrow-derived macrophages of the Lewis rat. Subcloning of pLR beta 118 into a transcription vector with subsequent in vitro transcription and translation using the reticulocyte lysate system in the presence of microsomes followed by immunoprecipitation with mAb OX6 and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed the intact RT1.B beta I-chain.