Abstract 9604589 Miller This research is concerned with the B-G family of highly polymorphic genes which are located in the major histocompatibility complex, and which may represent one of the elements in vertebrate immune defense particularly subject to specialization and evolutionary change. B-G genes have been detected in only a few species, and have been examined in the chicken. This gene family encodes surface molecules that have a structures suggesting a receptor/signaling function. B-G gene expression in the chicken indicates that some of the genes of this group are expressed together in a tissue specific manner. The experiments here will look at the patterns of expression of the B-G molecules in the chicken, the sequence differences in the intracellular and extracellular portions of the molecules, and the ability of these molecules to enhance the immune response. These experiments will provide information about another poorly studied component of the immune system and its function in the chicken. %%% These experiments are dealing with a group of genes which are present within the major histocompatibility complex of some species, and which are important in the immune response. This work will be done in chickens and will provide information about the immune system of other species. ***
