Mice homozygous for the Iitm1Liz targeted mutation are viable and fertile. The phenotype exhibited by mutant mice lacking the Ii (Ia-associated invariant chain) gene product is appreciably influenced by genetic background. As expected in BALB/cAn-Iitm1Liz mice, class II surface expression is markedly decreased. However, discordant expression of class II conformational epitopes is not detected, indicating that the few class II molecules present are properly folded and possess a normal configuration. Although spleen cells are ineffective for presentation of intact protein antigens, they show consistently superior peptide-loading capabilities. Thus surface class II molecules appear empty or occupied by easily displaced peptide(s). B lymphocyte development appears defective particularly in lymph node populations. Mature splenic dendritic cells in Ii chain mutants also display reduced class II surface expression. Thymi contain 3-fold fewer CD4+ T lymphocytes, but maturation of CD4+ T cells in the periphery occurs at near normal levels and secondary proliferative responses are elicited upon peptide challenge.

These Cd74 (formerly Ii) knock-out mice lack the invariant chain associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules with a reduction in surface class II molecules.

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CAn.129S(B6)-Cd74<tm1Liz>/J Frozen Embryos