| First Author | Cosgrove D | Year | 1991 |
| Journal | Cell | Volume | 66 |
| Issue | 5 | Pages | 1051-66 |
| PubMed ID | 1909605 | Mgi Jnum | J:65736 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:1927212 | Doi | 10.1016/0092-8674(91)90448-8 |
| Citation | Cosgrove D, et al. (1991) Mice lacking MHC class II molecules. Cell 66(5):1051-66 |
| abstractText | We have produced mice that lack major histocompatibility complex class II antigens, permitting us to evaluate the role of these molecules in diverse aspects of T and B cell differentiation. The mutant mice show near-complete elimination of CD4+ T lymphocytes from the spleen and lymph nodes; the few remaining CD4-positive cells are preferentially localized to B cell follicles. Surprisingly, substantial numbers of CD4 single-positive cells reside in the thymus; however, these are not mature thymocytes as we currently recognize them. B lymphocytes occur in normal numbers and are capable of terminal differentiation to plasma cells. Nevertheless, several aberrations in the B cell compartment are demonstrable: a lack of germinal centers, fewer IgM+IgD+ cells in certain individuals, reduced production of serum IgG1, and complete inability to respond to T-dependent antigens. In short, the class II-negative mice have confirmed some old ideas about lymphocyte differentiation, but have provided some surprises. |
