Mutation of 3' splice sites in two different class I genes results in different usage of cryptic splice sites.

To determine the pattern of alternative splicing at the 5' end of class I genes, the 3' splice sites bordering exon 2 of the H-2Dd and H-2Kd genes were mutated from AG to GG (H-2Dd) or CG (H-2Kd). The mutant genes were transfected into L cells, and RNA from clones expressing these Ag was used for analysis by RNase and S1 nuclease mapping techniques. The first intervening sequence of both class I genes contains several potential 3' splice acceptor sites. However, a clear preference for only one site was detected in each of the H-2Dd and H-2Kd mRNA. Examination of the endogenous H-Dd and H-2Kd class I transcripts in normal murine tissues and in tumors demonstrated that the alternatively spliced mRNAs were produced, but at a low frequency. Infection of transfected L cells or tumor lines with vesicular stomatitis virus altered the level of differentially spliced message in these cells.