Figure 1: Expression of HLA-A11 in model #s 8907 and 9660 was measured on spleen cells by flow cytometry using a pan-HLA-ABC antibody. Significant expression of HLA-A11 is seen in both models compared to a wild type C57BL/6 control. Expression levels are somewhat lower in hemizygous mice of model #9660 (on a CB6F1 background) compared to homozygous or hemizygous mice of model #8907 (on a C57BL/6 background), but are sufficient for experimental performance as detailed in many published references. Specific functional relevance of expression differences between models is unclear, and the choice of model for a particular experiment should include not just expression levels but also the role of Th1 vs Th2 immune response, whether a congenic background is required for use in syngeneic engraftment or adoptive cell transfer experiments and other factors.

Figure 2: Histograms for HLA-A11 expression on spleen cells in representative animals, as measured using a pan-HLA-ABC antibody. Grey = wild type C57BL/6 control. Blue = three model #8907 hemizygous female mice (C57BL/6 background). Red = three model #9660 hemizygous female mice (CB6F1 background).