The xid gene controls Ia.W39-associated immune response gene function.

Immune response (Ir) genes are encoded for by the I region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). A class of serologically defined specificities, Ia antigens, is also encoded for by genes within this region. A new Ia specificity, Ia.W39, has recently been defined. It is private for I-Ab and its expression is controlled by a gene on the X-chromosome. Using different approaches, the role of Ia.W39 in the immune response of H-2b mice to beef insulin was examined in a macrophage-dependent T cell proliferation assay. It was found that beef insulin-related Ir gene function was associated with the expression of Ia.W39 by antigen-presenting macrophages and that control of this Ir gene function was X-linked (xid gene).