Tissue-specific, inducible and functional expression of the E alpha d MHC class II gene in transgenic mice.

We have introduced the class II E alpha d gene into (C57BL/6 X SJL) F2 mice which do not express their endogenous E alpha gene. The mRNA expression of the E alpha d gene shows the same tissue distribution as the endogenous class II genes except in the case of one mouse, which carried 19 copies of the E alpha d gene. In this mouse expression of E alpha d mRNA was seen in all tissues tested. Expression of the transgene was induced by gamma-interferon in isolated macrophages from the transgenic mice. In addition, fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, mixed lymphocyte response and antigen-presentation experiments showed that the product of the transferred gene is expressed on the cell surface and functions as a major histocompatibility complex restriction element. Transmission of the gene occurred only with female transgenic mice, all males were infertile or did not transmit the gene, suggesting an effect of the transferred DNA sequence on male reproductive function.