RLA-DQ Background Information Several class II alpha and beta chain genes of the rabbit major histocompatability complex have been classified into three distinct subregions, R-DP, R-DQ and R-DR, based on their homology to the corresponding HLA-DP, -DQ and -DR genes. Studies indicate that the rabbit germline contains a total of approximately seven class II beta genes, one DQ beta, one DP beta and five DR beta. R-DQ and R-DR molecules show expression on cell surfaces, whereas R-DP molecules exhibit low levels of expression in the spleen. The constitutive coexpression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes in B lymphocytes requires positive, trans-acting transcriptional factors, although the mechanism by which the trans-acting factors exert their effect on gene transcription is unknown.
