The goal of these studies is to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (Ia) gene expression. Class II gene expression is regulated in terms of tissue specificity, stage of development and in response to external stimuli. It has been determined that the regulation of MHC class II gene expression occurs at the level of transcription. We have recently defined several regulatory elements and DNA binding factors for class n genes. We have focused on a novel nuclear binding protein, Complex A, whose presence correlates with class II MHC expression. Our data support the hypothesis that the presence of Complex A plays a critical role in class II gene transcription. To determine the role of Complex A in class II gene expression, we will first determine the structure and function of Complex A in human class II gene expression. Second, to further analyze Complex A, we will exploit the correlation between Complex A and a family of yeast transcription factors. Finally, in order to characterize proteins which regulate class II expression, we will use a functional complementation strategy to isolate cDNA clones which restore MHC class II expression to class II deficient cells.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29AI031093-02
Application #
3455784
Study Section
Immunobiology Study Section (IMB)
Project Start
1992-09-30
Project End
1997-08-31
Budget Start
1993-09-01
Budget End
1994-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215
Listman, J A; Wang, Y; Castro, J E et al. (1998) Detection of rare apoptotic T cells in vivo. Cytometry 33:340-7
Finn, P W; He, H; Wang, Y et al. (1997) Synergistic induction of CTLA-4 expression by costimulation with TCR plus CD28 signals mediated by increased transcription and messenger ribonucleic acid stability. J Immunol 158:4074-81
Perkins, D; Wang, Z; Donovan, C et al. (1996) Regulation of CTLA-4 expression during T cell activation. J Immunol 156:4154-9