Abstract
The expression of cell surface antigens determined by genes of the major histocompatibility complex, H 2, of the mouse has been studied in embryos. Antigens of this complex may be present on gametes but are undetectable on embryos up to six days of development. H 2 expression may also be studied in two different types of cell lines: teratomas and the blastocyst derived MB lines. The former lines have been shown to be H 2 negative, both serologically and by grafting; they bear antigens which are present in embryos at stages lacking H 2, and one of these antigens may be physically associated with H 2 on tumour cell surfaces. The second set of lines, the MB lines, partially express H 2 antigens; only some structural features of their H 2 molecules are accessible to antibody. Two models are described for this partial expression which have more general application to expression of the properties of cell surfaces in development. One model suggests that specific associations of membrane molecules may alter their reactions with ligands in the medium or on other cells. A second model proposes that constraints on the diffusion of membrane proteins in the plane of the membrane can radically affect the interactions of these proteins with the external environment.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 177-197 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Unknown Journal |
Volume | No. 40 |
State | Published - 1976 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine