HLA expression on spleen cells in HLA-A2.1 mice on two genetic backgrounds

Figure 1: Expression of HLA-A2.1 in model #s 8906 and 9659 was measured on spleen cells by flow cytometry using a pan-HLA-ABC antibody. Significant expression of HLA-A2.1 is seen in both models compared to a wild type C57BL/6 control. Model #8906, on a congenic C57BL/6 background, has similar expression between homozygous and hemizygous animals and between males and females. Expression levels are somewhat lower in hemizygous mice of model #9659, on a CB6F1 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.

HLA expression histogram for spleen cells in HLA-A2.1 mice on two genetic backgrounds

Figure 2: Histograms for HLA-A2.1 expression on spleen cells in representative animals, as measured using a pan-HLA-ABC antibody. Grey = wild type C57BL/6 control. Blue = three model #8906 hemizygous female mice (C57BL/6 background). Red = three model #9659 hemizygous female mice (CB6F1 background).