Molecular cloning and sequencing of H-2Kk cDNA: comparison with other H-2 genes and evidence for alternative splicing.

A cDNA library was constructed from mouse L cells that were transfected with a human HLA-B7 gene fragment lacking the 5'-segment of exon 2 and all upstream sequences. A cDNA clone (pESP-C103) which is of mouse origin was detected by hybridization with the HLA-B7 gene. Comparison of the amino acid (aa) sequence predicted from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA and the partial aa sequence of the H-2Kk antigen suggests that this cDNA (pESP-C103) codes for the H-2Kk antigen. This cDNA clone extends to the middle of the leader sequence. Comparison of the nucleotide and deduced aa sequences with those of other H-2 genes revealed an alternative splicing in exon 8 in the case of the H-2Kk gene.