Multigenic regulation of the primary immune response to ovalbumin in mice

At least four genes regulate the primary immune response to ovalbumin in mice. The ability to be sensitized to transfer delayed type hypersensitivity to ovalbumin is controlled by two genes. One gene, OVA-β, is linked to the H-2 complex and maps to the left of I-E. The linkage of the other gene, OVA-Bg1, has not been determined, but it segregates independently of the Ly M locus, of the heavy chain allotype genes and of certain genes controlling coat color. At least two genes regulate the ability to respond with a primary antiovalbumin antibody response. One gene, OVA-α, is linked to the H-2 complex and maps to the right of I-E. Discordance of the minimum dose of antigen needed to elicit delayed type hypersensitivity response and antibody suggests that non-H-2 gene(s) regulating the primary antibody response are different from OVA-Bg1.